PHU declares intention to visit Kurundi temple

The Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) yesterday (19) announced that a 50-member group led by its leader Udaya Gammanpila would visit the Kurundi temple in Mullaitivu, tomorrow (21).

Responding to The Island queries, Gammanpila said that it would be the responsibility of the government to ensure safety and security of everyone.

“The Constitution guarantees the freedom of movement, and therefore we do not expect any obstacles,” MP Gammanpila said, adding that they would also visit Nedunkerni viharaya, also targeted by those who still propagated separatist views.

The PHU leader said Ven. Galgamuwe Shanthibodhi Thera at the Kurundi viharaya had come under tremendous pressure since President Wickremesinghe’s actions that led to the resignation of Archaeology Chief Prof. Anura Manatunga.

Gammanpila said the government had apparently decided to distribute land belonging to the Kurundi viharaya among the people living in the area.

However, the President’s Media Division (PMD) insisted that there was absolutely no basis for claims that temple land was to be distributed.

The PMD also said that the President had nothing to do with Prof. Manatunga’s resignation and that various interested parties were propagating lies to discredit the President and the government. (SF)