The Court of Appeal today (19) advised that a petition filed over an order to demolish a section of the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Viharaya in Trincomalee should be resolved through a peaceful and negotiated approach.

The petition, filed by Ven. Trincomalee Kalyanawansatissa Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the temple, was taken up before Justices Dhammika Ganepola and Adithya Patabandige.

After hearing submissions from both parties, the Bench recommended that the dispute be settled amicably. The court instructed officials of the Coast Conservation Department to carry out a fresh inspection of the construction concerned and, based on their findings, arrive at an appropriate decision. Lawyers representing both the petitioner and the Coast Conservation Department agreed to this course of action.

The Bench directed that the progress of these steps be reported to court when the matter is next taken up on 16 December.

The Court of Appeal further instructed all parties to ensure peace is maintained in the area until the inspection and related procedures are completed. Justice Patabandige also advised counsel to instruct their clients to act responsibly, noting that any unfortunate incident could have adverse consequences for the country.

Ven. Kalyanawansatissa Thera filed the writ petition seeking to prevent the enforcement of demolition orders issued by the Coast Conservation Department regarding a structure built within the temple premises. The petition names the Director General of the Coast Conservation Department, the Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, and the Minister of Environment as respondents.

According to the petition, the temple has been registered under the Amarapura Nikaya since 1951 under the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance. In 2014, then President Mahinda Rajapaksa handed over the land to the former Chief Incumbent, Ven. Mihindupura Mahindawansatissa Thera, under a Pooja Bhoomi deed.

The petitioner states that although the Trincomalee Urban Council raised no objections to the development of the identified land plot, the Coast Conservation Department issued letters on 18 and 25 July 2025 ordering the demolition of part of the temple premises.

The Thera appealed to the Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, but claims the appeal was rejected without an inquiry or an opportunity to present his position.

Arguing that the construction does not violate coastal conservation regulations, the petitioner describes the demolition order as arbitrary, malicious, and unlawful. He seeks a writ invalidating the Coast Conservation Department’s letters and an interim order preventing any demolition until the petition is fully heard.