Army’s Wesak celebrations cause problems to the Tamil-Muslim villagers in the East

It is reported that the Wesak celebrations by the Govt. security Forces in the Tamil and Muslim villages in the East has caused suspicion and fear among the villagers. During the period of the war, the Forces adorned their camps with Wesak lanterns and was a normal feature, but, this year, in Wakkarai, Periyaneelawanai, Chenkaladi, Ottamaodi and Eravur where only Tamils and Muslims reside, Wesak celebrations have been forced upon them. According to our Eravur correspondent, the residents have expressed that this action is unreasonable, and the residents are beginning to fear whether there is an attempt to ‘Sinhalize’ the area.

These actions have affected the people psychologically from the  point of view of their religious susceptibilities. The residents who are thoroughly dismayed and disappointed over this forcible Wesak celebrations have asked whether this is marking the beginning of provoking another conflict, as this type of behavior or actions have never occurred before in the villages.   Source : Lanka-e-News, May 31, 2010