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Journalism of Courage
A group of unidentified persons ransacked the office of Mahabodhi Society Temple office on Monday night and assaulted Sri Lankan Buddhist monks who tried to prevent them in what is believed to be a retaliatory attack by a section of pro-Tamil groups protesting against the killing of two fishermen allegedly by Sri Lankan Navy personnel.
Senior police officers said the attack happened around 10 pm on Monday. Preliminary investigations revealed that there were over 10 persons in the group,armed with sticks and clubs. After barging into the temple office,the group ransacked the office. A vehicle parked outside was also damaged.
When four monks tried to intervene,they were assaulted. The injured,all Sri Lankan nationals,were rushed to a hospital.
Taking a note of the issue,Lankan High Commissioner to India Prasad Kariyawasam met officials here on Tuesday including the chief secretary to convey his countrys concerns. Sharing his countrys pain over the killing of fishermen from the state,the diplomat reiterated that the Navy denied having any hand in the incidents.
Terming the attack on the temple disturbing,Kariyawasam said his government was happy that the state was taking action to nab the culprits. We are worried about what happened,but have been assured of safety, he added.
The city police formed special teams to nab the suspects,said officials,adding they were trying to get translators since the monks spoke Sinhalese. Security has been strengthened on the premises.
