President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said authorities will investigate and take action against those who stormed the National Stadium during an event to mark International Yoga Day.
The yoga event began on Tuesday amid threats on social media not to hold the event. The event was organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, and the Indian Cultural Centre. The event was first planned to be held at the Rasfannu beach. However, the City Council did not grant permission to hold the event, and it was later moved to Galolhu Stadium.
Shortly after the event kicked off at 6:30 am on Tuesday, a group entered the stadium and shouted at the crowd to leave the stadium. Some of them physically hit event participants and threw food from the breakfast buffet set up at the event. The participants left the stadium in fear.
Tweeting regarding the incident, President Solih said the police are investigating the incident. Expressing concern over their actions, the President said those responsible would be brought to justice.
Police have arrested six men in connection with the incident. The case is being investigated as a serious issue.
Yoga is a contradictory issue for Muslims, with many viewing it as against Islam. There are differences of opinion among contemporary scholars on the ruling on practicing yoga.
