Sri Lanka, May 17 -- The controversy surrounding the Buddha statue and juice bar at the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiwardena Vihara became one of the most politically sensitive religious disputes in Trincomalee in 2025.
The issue drew attention from civil society groups, Tamil political representatives, Buddhist clergy, and State institutions, largely because of allegations that unauthorised structures have been erected within a coastal zone in an ethnically sensitive area.
The dispute intensified after the Coastal Conservation Department issued orders to remove several constructions, while nationalist Buddhist groups organised protests claiming the temple was being unfairly targeted.
Tensions further escalated in February 2025 when demon...