Chief Priest of Koa'neasvaram Temple assassinated in Trincomalee

[TamilNet, Sunday, 21 September 2008, 14:33 GMT]
Unidentified armed men shot and killed the Chief Priest of the historic Trincomalee Koa'neasvaram Temple, Sivashri Kugarajakurrukal, Sunday around 6:00 p.m. The killing took place along Viththiyalayam Road located in the heart of Trincomalee city. The deceased had been riding in his motorbike when he was shot by assassin who also came in a motor bicycle, police said. The priest had returned from India four days ago, temple sources said.

Two bullets struck on priest's head and he died instantly.

Koa'nesvaram Temple is located inside the Fort Frederick where the Trincomalee Government Agent's officie and the Gajaba Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army have been functioning.

Sivashri Kugarajakurrukal had been the chief priest of the Koa'nesvaram Temple for the last five years.