The removal followed a complaint by the Coast Conservation Department, which alleged that the construction—part of an effort to restart the temple’s Dhamma School—had been carried out without proper authorisation. The temple has been officially registered since 1951.
Monks and area residents strongly protested the police action, leading to a confrontation at the site. Two monks, including the temple’s Chief Incumbent Ven. Trincomalee Kalyanawamsathissa Thero, were admitted to hospital with injuries reportedly sustained during the incident.
Addressing Parliament, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that the police had acted to prevent potential damage to the statue, noting that the removal was carried out based on official instructions.
