The Sri Lankan government on Sunday ordered that a mosque be destroyed and rebuilt elsewhere because Buddhist monks threatened to demolish it, believing it was built on sacred land.
“After a discussion with the parties concerned, the Prime Minister ordered the reconstruction of the mosque in a more appropriate place as soon as possible,” said Sisira Wijesinghe, head of communications for The Head of Government D.M. Jayaratne.
During Friday prayers, Buddhist monks protested outside the mosque in Dambulla (centre) and threatened worshippers with violence. They also called for the demolition of a nearby Hindu temple. Muslims living in the area said the mosque had existed since 1962. Buddhists believe that the government has authorized its extension recently while the land was declared sacred by the state in 1982. About 70% of Sri Lankans are Buddhists.
