Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeal of Sri Lanka on February 20 ruled that the dispute surrounding alleged unauthorized construction at the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Viharaya in Trincomalee should be resolved in accordance with the temple’s originally approved building plan.
The ruling was delivered when a writ petition filed by the Chief Incumbent, Ven. Kalyana Wansa Thissa, was taken up before a two-judge bench seeking to prevent the implementation of a demolition order issued by the Coastal Conservation authorities.
Court Stresses Adherence to Approved Plan
The case was heard before a bench comprising Justices Dhammika Ganepola and Adithya Patabendige.
President’s Counsel Susanta Balapatabendi, appearing for the petitioner, informed court that the Chief Incumbent had agreed to modify the disputed structure to bring it in line with the approved architectural plan.
It was further stated that, based on this undertaking, authorities had previously agreed to withdraw the demolition directive. However, delays occurred as the Chief Incumbent was remanded in custody in connection with a separate legal matter.
Deputy Solicitor General Manohara Jayasinghe, appearing for the respondents, did not object to granting additional time.
Deadline Set for April 28
The Court emphasized that any alterations must strictly comply with the officially approved plan of the temple premises.
Accordingly, the bench granted time until April 28, 2026, for the petitioner to complete the required modifications and directed that progress be reported to court on that date.
