Jamiyyathul Ulama condemns attack on Buddha statues in Mawanella

The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) has condemned the attack on Buddha statues in Mawanella, requesting authorities to take strict legal action against the offenders, whoever they are.



In a letter to the Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara, the General Secretary of the ACJU requested to implement “very strict law and order” on such incidents which no religion permits.

“We strictly condemn this type of incident happening and request all concerned authorities to take strict legal action against the offenders whoever they are,” the ACJU General Secretary wrote.

“We appreciate implementing very strict law and order on these types of incidents, which will prevent opportunists taking law and order to their hands to disrupt the peaceful coexistence among communities,” the ACJU said.

Mawanella Police has arrested two youths suspected of damaging several Buddha statues in the area last few days. One of the suspects named M. Ashfar was captured by the villagers when he attempted to damage a Buddha statue at a road junction in Mawanella and was handed over to the Police.

The ACJU said it always stood ready to cooperate with Buddhist and other religious dignitaries in promoting coexistence.

“We hope you will take spontaneous action to maintain peace and harmony among the communities,” the council wrote to the IGP.

Minister Kabir Hashim, who represents Mawanella area in Parliament, also denouncing the acts of violence committed against places of worship in Mawanella, requested the law enforcement authorities subject the suspects to the full extent of the law.