Probe underway into religious gathering in Batticaloa

A probe is underway after a Hindu religious gathering was held in a temple in Batticaloa today after pictures of the commemoration circulated online sparking anger as to why it was held amidst a rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic.
Pictures circulated online showed a large gathering of Hindu devotees, supposedly at the Mamangam Temple in Batticaloa taking part in religious rituals, without any social distance in place.
Social media users questioned how permission was granted for the ritual at a time when the government has cautioned people from taking part in public gatherings in the backdrop of a rapidly spreading Delta variant.
Geethanath Cassilingham, Coordinating Secretary to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and the government’s special resettlement facilitator for the North and East, in a statement on his Twitter account said that it was unfortunate that this incident had happened at a time when people had been urged to remain cautious against the COVID-19.
Cassilingham said he had spoken to officials and the police on ground and a probe was underway.
He further said that a report had been called over the incident.
(Source: Daily Mirror)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka, Japan hold high-level defence talks in Japan March 19, 2026
- Ex-SriLankan CEO claims Rs. 60 Million paid to Mahinda Rajapaksa in Airbus deal March 19, 2026
- Opposition files no-confidence motion against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody March 19, 2026
- Sri Lanka, Qatar hold urgent talks as Middle East tensions rise, call for stability March 19, 2026
- Police Sub-Inspector arrested over Rs. 10,000 bribe in Ragama March 19, 2026


Probe…..Report…..unfortunate…….horse ran away and there is no need to close the stables now. Were the authorities sleeping when Mamangam Temple in Batticaloa organizing this religious festival? Now it is too late.