Harm to Bodhi tree seems impossible: SL envoy

Considering security arrangements, Lankan High Commissioner says perpetration of a criminal act within the complex is impossible.

After a visit by Sri Lankan High Commissioner CR Jayasinghe to Bodh Gaya in Bihar, the Mission has said that it appeared "virtually impossible" that a branch of the sacred Mahabodhi tree had been cut, considering the security arrangements at the complex.

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"The High Commissioner was shown the sacred complex, including the security arrangements consisting of an inner ring of guards of the Bodh Gaya Management Committee (BTMC) and an outer ring manned by the Bihar State Police," the High Commission said in a statement in New Delhi.

"It was evident that the perpetration of a criminal act within the complex would be virtually impossible," it said.

The Commission said the envoy had been informed by District Magistrate that the Mahabodhi tree, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, had been inspected twice.

"Both these inspections had clearly indicated that the break in the branch, as shown in the photographs carried by the media, could not have happened in the recent past," it said.

This position is further bolstered by the photographs in the archives of the BMTC, that show the same break as having been in existence, even during the 'katina pinkama' (robe offering ceremony) held in November, 2004, the Mission said.

The High Commissioner expressed to district magistrate his appreciation for the information shared with him, it said, and denied media reports that suggested that the envoy had "expressed shock over alleged vandalising" of the sacred tree.