Five Tamils have been released on bail after they were arrested by Sri Lankan police earlier today during a peaceful protest against the illegally constructed Buddhist temple in Thaiyiddy, Jaffna.
Protesters gathered outside the illegally built and controversial Tissa Vihara Buddhist temple in Thaiyiddy today to demand the release of the privately owned land that has been encroached upon by the Buddhist temple and to oppose the promotion of a senior monk.
Despite the protest remaining peaceful, Sri Lankan police were heavily deployed at the site and presented a court order explicitly naming 29 individuals – including members of parliament and other political figures – barring them from participating in the demonstration.
Tensions escalated after police accused protesters of blocking the road, leading to clashes and the arrest of five Tamils, including prominent civil society leader Velan Swamigal and Valikamam East Divisional Council Chairman & TELO Executive committee member Thiyagaraja Nirosh, both of whom were attacked and violently handled by Sri Lankan police officers as they were pushed into the police car. The other three Tamils that were arrested were members of Valikamam North Divisional Council.
The five Tamils were subsequently produced before the Mallakam Magistrate’s Court, where they were granted bail upon meeting bail conditions of one lakh rupees each, and the case was adjourned until January 26.
Speaking to reporters after their release, Nirosh said that they were arrested by Sri Lankan police for simply protesting for the release of Tamil owned lands. He went on to add that the Sri Lankan government’s goal is to colonise the Tamil homeland and will use the police to enforce their agenda.
The protest comes amid reports that a written request has been submitted to the Sri Lankan president seeking approval to install an additional Buddha statue at the illegally constructed temple on 3 January 2026, with a further request for security to be provided by the Sri Lankan army and police.
Local residents, civil society activists and politicians have held regular protests against the Buddhist temple which was expanded without consent and in violation of legal and administrative procedures. Protests are typically held every poya (full moon) day, as monks and Sinhala visitors arrive to conduct religious rituals under heavy military guard.