Paying homage to Buddha, Ministry to ascertain claim
The External Affairs Ministry said they were still trying to
ascertain if the claims that a Lankan has been arrested in Saudi Arabia
for worshipping a Buddha statue is true.
A spokesman for the Ministry said, "We have very good relations with
the Saudi Government.
Without jeopardising that goodwill we will try to get him released if
the claims were found to be true." However he added there is no proof
yet if the claims were actually authentic.
An organisation representing the wife of P.P. Thungasiri last week
said the worker who was to return to the country in three months, after
completing a three year contract has been arrested for paying homage to
a Buddha statue in his possession.
The wife urged State intervention to secure the release of her
husband.
The spokesperson said they have got in touch with the Sri Lankan
Mission in Riyadh, to find out if a person under that name is being
detained and if so if he has been detained on charges as alleged by the
wife and whether he has committed any other offence.
The officials from the Mission are allowed to meet any Lankan
prisoners and extend legal assistance if needed. However, the foreign
employment Bureau has expressed that it is very unlikely a person will
be arrested on such charges since there were no opposition to Vesak and
Poson celebrations organised in Saudi Arabia by Lankan expatriate
workers. - MF
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