Courtesy The Daily Mirror

A tense situation arose when a group led by Tamil National People’s Front leader Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam entered the Kurundi temple and conducted a Pongal Pooja, Mullaitivu police said.

Police said however the situation was brought under control.

According to a court order obtained from the Mullaitivu Court, a group, including MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, had gone to perform a Pongal Pooja at the Kurundi temple. However, the temple’s donors had opposed them, deeming it illegal, resulting in a heated exchange of words between the two parties.

Subsequently, Chief Incumbent of Kurundi temple Ven. Galgamuwe Shantabodhi Thera arrived at the scene and, in accordance with the court order, granted permission for the Pongal Puja to proceed. 

However, he advised the group, including the Member of Parliament, against engaging in such unethical activities in the future. The group was aggressive towards the monk as well.

The Mullaitivu police arrived and diffued the situation. They also contacted officials of the Archaeological Department, who designated an appropriate area for the Pongal pooja. The participating individuals conducted the Pongal pooja and then had left. (Romesh Madusanka)