The Department of Coastal Conservation and Coastal Resources Management has issued a clarification regarding the reported unrest near the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Temple in Trincomalee.
The Department states that the incident was caused by a long-standing violation of coastal regulations rather than a religious dispute.
According to the Department, the incumbent of the temple has been granted a temporary permit for a small welfare shop measuring about 127 square feet, which is valid only until mid-2024.
Subsequent investigations have revealed that the relevant permit has been widely misused. The place is also being run as a large-scale commercial business.
The department said the expanded structures exceeded the approved size, purpose and duration and were illegally built in the coastal reserve close to the sea.
A court order had been obtained to remove the unauthorized structures, which the department described as posing an environmental threat to the ecologically sensitive coastline.
Officials say that while preparations were being made to demolish them with the assistance of the police on the basis of a court order, a new temporary religious structure with a Buddha statue was suddenly erected at the site.
The Coastal Conservation and Coastal Resources Management Department said this was a deliberate attempt to obstruct enforcement action and divert public attention from illegal commercial activities.
The department points out that its actions are strictly based on legal requirements and court orders and have no political or religious influence.