A foundation-laying ceremony for the construction of a Buddhist temple has reportedly taken place at the historically significant Kanniya Hot Water Springs archaeological site in the Trincomalee District.

The event, organised by the Trincomalee Regional Archaeology Office as part of an initial programme to conserve a stupa located within the archaeological site, was attended by District Secretary W.G.M. Hemantha Kumara, Deputy Director of the Regional Archaeology Office Suranga Perera, and several others, according to reports.

Meanwhile, Tamil political and civil organisations have raised objections over the alleged construction activities taking place at the site.

They stated that, according to the order issued by the Trincomalee High Court in case No. HCT/Writ/590/2019, new construction activities in the Kanniya Hot Water Springs area had been prohibited.

However, they alleged that construction work for a Buddhist temple is now being carried out in an area where the ruins of an ancient Pillaiyar temple are located, in violation of the court order.

Community organisations and residents have expressed concern, stating that Kanniya is a location of religious, historical, and cultural importance, particularly for the Tamil and Hindu communities.

They further claimed that the historical and archaeological identity of the area should be protected and questioned the continuation of the construction despite previous opposition and legal actions.