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