Tamil party suspends strike in Sri Lankan town ahead of Buddhist festival

A Tamil political party on Sunday suspended a strike in the Sri Lankan port city of Trincomalee to protest the erection of a large statue of Buddha.





A Tamil political party on Sunday suspended a strike in the Sri Lankan port city of Trincomalee to protest the erection of a large statue of Buddha. The Tamil People's Organisation said it called off the work stoppage in place since last week to allow Buddhists to celebrate a public holiday Monday that marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.

The strike however would resume Thursday, the party said.

Buddhist and Hindu religious leaders met Saturday with government officials to resolve the dispute but failed to reach agreement, a police official said.

Violence erupted in the city last week over a Buddha statue erected by Sinhalese taxi drivers who are followers of Buddhism. Ethnic Tamils, who are Hindus, strongly objected to it.

At least 18 bombs have been set off since the statue was unveiled, leaving one person dead and injuring five others.

"Shops are open today, but you can also feel the tension," a resident said.

Tamils are the largest minority in Sri L