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No breakthrough yet on attacks on Mannar shrines
Two of the damaged statues. Pix by Romesh Madushanke
No breakthrough has been made in the investigations into incidents where shrines had been damaged in Mannar, police said.
Three of the damaged shrines were in front of churches while the other three were statues at junctions.
St Sebestian’s parish priest S. Gnanapragasam said he believed these attacks were aimed at provoking the Catholic community of the area.
He said although police had offered additional security to churches, they had declined extra security as it could lead to a tense situation.
“We have spoken to community leaders in the area and asked for their help to prevent such incidents occurring again,” he added.
Meanwhile Mannar Bishop is due to issue a statement on Monday.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Dr Kavinda Jayawardena who visited Mannar had met Rev Gnanapragasam and visited the sites that had been damaged.
Condemning the attacks TNA MP Selvam Adaikalanathan had asked police to maintain law and order in the area.
