Moulana objects to relocating mosque in Dambulla

Governor of the Western Province, Alavi Moulana yesterday expressed his objection towards the relocating of the mosque in Dambulla, following a protest by Buddhist monks and lay supporters last Friday.

Moulana said he had not attended the discussion held by Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne on Sunday regarding the issue and therefore had not agreed to the removal or relocating of the mosque.

The Western Province Governor says he believes the incident could be a conspiracy to direct the attention of Muslim countries elsewhere.

Following a special discussion held in Gampola it was decided that the mosque, which had stirred up controversy due to it being situated within the Buddhist sacred zone in Dambulla, will be removed with immediate effect. Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, who is also the Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs Senior Minister, has instructed authorities to erect the mosque in another suitable location in the area, the Prime Minister’s Office said.