A Buddhist monk has once again been accused of grabbing land owned by Muslims in the eastern province.
Panamure Thilakawansa, head of Arisimalai Aranya Senasana, is allegedly trying to forcibly take over agricultural land of six families in Pulmoddai.
On 22 September, the monk and a brother of his had been clearing the land with the use of a backhoe, when the owners arrived and protested.
They produced their ownership deeds for the land.
Videos posted on social media show the monk using racist language against them, and claiming his temple owned the land he was clearing.
A group of monks including him was prevented from taking over another land being used by Tamils and Muslims at Pulmoddai on 30 March to build a Buddhist construction.
