7:13 PM

High Priest of Thirukoneswaram Temple shot and killed

Unidentified gunmen shot and killed the High Priest of the Thirukoneswaram Hindu Temple, Sivasri Kugarajah Kurukkal in Trincomalee yesterday around 6.PM, in the evening .
The incident reported to have taken place at the Vidyalayam Road, located in the heart of the port city of Trincomalee.
Two bullets struck on priest's head and according to police report he died instantly.The Media Centre for National Security (MCNS), reported that the 43 year old priest was shot down while he was riding a motorbike around 6 pm, on 21st September.
Thirukoanesvaram Temple is located inside the Fort Frederick, where the Trincomalee Government Agent's office and the Gajaba Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army have been functioning.
Sivashri Kugaraja Kurrukal had been the High Priest of one of the oldest Saiva Temple, ThiruKonesvaram , for the last five years.
According to the Media Centre for National Security, the victim said to have been a highly respected personality among the Hindus as well as in the midst of the other religious communities living in the area, He had been maintaining a very cordial relationship with the law enforcement authorities in the district and had performed a great service in building peace and harmony among the different communities.
Police are conducting investigation on the death of the High Priest