The government is considering transferring the administration of the controversial Kankesanthurai Tissa Viharaya to the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs, following growing tensions over its status. The Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs has announced plans to hold discussions with key government ministries and the Army to determine the temple’s future and address concerns raised by local communities.
Speaking to The Daily Morning, Secretary to the Ministry A.M.P.M.B. Atapattu stated that the government is working to clarify confusion surrounding the temple, particularly given its sensitive impact on national unity and interfaith relations in the region. He explained that while the temple is currently administered by the Army, discussions have been held to transfer its management to the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs to ensure its proper governance.
According to Atapattu, the issue stems from the presence of multiple religious sites under military control in the area. “The temple is administered by the Army, and construction is underway with a Buddhist monk present there. During a discussion held at the Ministry of Defence, it was stated that the Army could no longer oversee it and that it should instead be registered under the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs. As far as I am aware, a temple with the same name has already been registered, but currently, there is only land in that location,” he explained.
He further revealed that reports indicate the presence of two temples in the region, one operated by the Army and another by the Navy, adding to the complexity of the situation. “This has led to confusion, and we need to find a proper solution. If the Army cannot maintain the temple, we must take steps to resolve the issue through official channels,” Atapattu added.
To address the matter, the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs has proposed a discussion involving the relevant ministers and officials. The objective is to reach a decision that upholds religious harmony while also addressing concerns related to land ownership and governance.
Meanwhile, Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi Party leader and Opposition MP S. Sridharan has issued a strong warning that the Tissa Viharaya may face forcible removal. Speaking to the media, Sridharan claimed that the owners of the land where the temple is built, along with other concerned parties, are preparing to take immediate action against what he described as an unauthorized construction.
Sridharan criticized the government’s approach, alleging that while authorities have removed unauthorized structures built by the general public on state land, they are now acting contradictorily in the case of Tissa Viharaya. “The government has taken action against unauthorized public constructions, yet they allow this temple to remain despite concerns from the rightful landowners. This kind of double standard is unacceptable,” he stated.
The controversy over the temple has heightened tensions in the area, with Tamil political groups viewing its construction as part of a larger strategy to alter the demographic and religious landscape of the Northern Province. Buddhist groups, on the other hand, argue that the temple holds historical and religious significance and should be preserved.
The government’s decision on whether to proceed with the proposed administrative transfer or take alternative action will be crucial in maintaining stability in the region. With growing concerns over land rights, religious coexistence, and military involvement in temple administration, the outcome of the discussions will likely have long-term implications for interfaith relations in Sri Lanka’s north.
