VIDEO: Eight Buddhist monks among 24 identified in attack on prayer center

The police have identified 24 persons who were involved in yesterday’s (January 13) attack on a Christian place of worship in Hikkaduwa including eight Buddhist monks.

Police Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana claimed that the police have compiled a report on the attack and have submitted the list of identified suspects to the courts.

Yesterday (January 12), a mob which included a number of Buddhist monks attacked a Christian place of worship on Baddegama road in Hikkaduwa while claiming it was an illegal prayer center.

The mob which took the law into their own hands stormed the building and destroyed property in protest while confronting the police who were at the scene as well.

Despite the claims made by the mob lead by Buddhist monks, members of the prayer centre stated that the establishment had been operating since 1997.

Furthermore, all investigations concerning protests and demonstrations related to religion will be handed over to the Religious Affairs Ministry, the Police stated.

Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana stated that the Ministry will be informed of this today (January 13).

Meanwhile, the Hikkaduwa police are conducting further inquiries.