A Buddhist monk has been accused of attempting to take over land belonging to Tamils to expand his temple at Thennamaramvadi in Trincomalee.
Panamure Thilakawansa, head of Asirimalai Aranya Senasana, is aiming for 150 acres of agricultural and other land of 92 families.
The chief Sangha Nayake of northern and eastern provinces, he is also a leading member of a presidential task force appointed by Gotabaya Rajapaksa to manage archaeological heritages in the two provinces.
Barring access by the owners, the monk has allegedly cut down trees and expanded the temple property by naming it a sacred area.
Owners have askedthe president, through the district secretary, to return their agricultural land.
