Sri Lanka expresses concern over attack on the Sri Lanka Maha Bodhi Centre in Chennai

An unidentified group consisting of 10-15 persons carried out on the Sri Lanka Maha Bodhi Centre in Egmore around 9.00 p.m. on on 24th January 2011.

During this incident, three Buddhist monk, namely, Ven. Kumurugamuwe Vajira Nayaka Thero, the Chancellor of sabaragamuwa University, Ven. Samitha Thero of ther Maha Bodhi Centre in Chennai and Ven. Nepalaye Maithree Thero, a Nepal national residing at the Maha Bodhi Centre at the time, sustained minor injuries, while the property of the Centre was also damaged. The relevant Tamil Nadu State Government authorities were immediately contacted and were requested to take necessary action to ensure security to the Maha Bodhi Centre and other Sri Lankan institutions and establishments in Chennai.

The Ministry of External Affair has also taken this matter up with the Indian Government through the Indian High Commission in Colombo. The Indian High Commission has assured the MInistry of Exesternal Affairs that a full investigation would be carried out into this incident and had informed that two suspects have already been into custody in this connection.

Exstract from MEA- Press Release