Lankan High Commission condemns acts of vandalism against Buddhist
Temple
Walter JAYAWARDHANA
LONDON: The Sri Lanka High Commission in London, “strongly” condemned
the “cowardly acts” of vandalism targeted against the Saddhatissa
International Buddhist Center, in Kingsbury, London.
The statement said: “The High Commission firmly believes those who
took part in this act of destruction do not believe in religious
pluralism and tolerance which are basic tenants of liberal democracy
today.”
Buddhist monks in the temple said they suspect the crime had been
committed by elements connected to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
(LTTE) sympathisers in the area.
The following is the statement issued by the High Commission: “The
Sri Lanka High Commission in London strongly condemns the cowardly acts
of vandals who damaged the Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre
in Kingsbury, London, which had taken place during the early hours of
September 26.
“The Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre which was
established in 1990 has been one of the Buddhist Centres of excellence
in the United Kingdom not only propagating Buddhism but also actively
engaged in various social, economic and spiritual services to the
neighborhood.
“The High Commission firmly believes those who took part in this act
of destruction do not believe in religious pluralism and tolerance which
are basic tenants of liberal democracy today.”
The Brent Press office of the metropolitan Police issuing another
press release said they were appealing to the public to help the police
identify the criminals.
The following is the full text of the release: “Police are appealing
for witnesses after receiving reports of criminal damage to the Sri
Sadahatissa International Buddhist temple, Kingsbury, NW9.
On September 26 at 1.30 am, two males were seen near the temple, they
smashed the front windows of the property and then two vehicles, which
were parked on the driveway. Both offenders then made off in an unknown
direction.
Both suspects were wearing dark clothing.” |
