'Trinco Hindu temples singled out for destruction'-TNA MP [TamilNet, September 30, 2002 00:43 GMT]

"From Thennamaravadi, north of Trincomalee district, to south Killiveddy, several Hindu temples were destroyed in the war but places of worship of other faiths did not suffer any damages," said Tamil National Alliance (TNA) national list parliamentarian Mr.K.Thurairatnasingham addressing a meeting held at the office of the Trincomalee District Young Men Hindu Association (TDYMHA) Sunday evening. Hindu temples in Trincomalee district should be safeguarded to ensure the identity of the traditional Tamil villages, said Mr.Thurairatnesingham.

Mr.Thurairatnesingham paid glowing tribute to the services rendered by the TDYMHA to the villagers in the district when they were forced to flee for safety.

The seventh annual prize-giving event of Hindu religious schools run by the TDYMHA was held Sunday evening with its Deputy President Attorney K.Sivapalan in the chair. Mr.Thurairatnesingham was the chief guest. Mr.T.Mahendrarajah, district cultural officer was the special guest.

Mr.K.Sivapalan said the TDYMHA served the people of the Trincomalee district at a time when the war played havoc in the lives of villagers. In addition to religious services, the TDYMHA implemented several social development projects in the war-affected villages.

Mr.Thurairatnesingham said that "military operations has destroyed the entire Tamil village of Thiriyai and the people had sought refuge in other areas, but a Buddhist Vihare close to the village is not damaged".

Guests awarded prizes to students who won places in religious competitions.