A heated situation unfolded at the Kurundumale temple grounds in Mullaitivu when the Mullaitivu police officers prevented an attempt by a group, including Tamil National People's Front Member of Parliament Selvarasa Gajendran and a group of Hindu religious leaders, to hold a Pongal festival.

The incident occurred while monks and Buddhist devotees, including Kurundi Vihara Administrator Galgamuwe Santabodhi Thero, were engaged in Buddha worship at the temple grounds. Despite objections from archaeology officials, the visiting group attempted to light bonfires and conduct a Pongal ceremony, potentially leading to conflict with the Buddhist group present. Subsequently, the police intervened and requested the MP and others to leave the premises.

Protesting the police intervention, MP Selvarasa Gajendran expressed his dissatisfaction with the archaeology officials and insisted that his group intended to hold the Pongal festival near the stupa of the Kurundi Vihara without disturbing its sanctity.

Archaeological officials clarified that cremation activities should not take place at sites containing archaeological monuments and should be conducted at alternative locations. This disagreement escalated into a highly charged confrontation between the visiting group, archaeology officials, and the stationed police officers, prompting the deployment of the police riot control unit and the police special task force to restore order.

Following the incident, Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu District, Mr. H. Samudrajeewa, arrived at the scene and addressed the members of parliament and other individuals involved. He highlighted that the temple administrator of Kurundumale Temple, Galgamuwe Santabodhi Thero, had lodged a complaint with the police on the 11th, and the relevant facts were subsequently reported to the court.

Mr. Samudrajeewa emphasized the importance of refraining from setting fire to archaeological sites and encouraged the parties involved to report the matter to the court for legal action against those involved in the disruptive behavior.