The dispute has led to series of Hartals in Trincomalee

The Court has reversed the decision by the Trincomalee magistrate after considering an appeal by AL Keerthi, Secretary of Trincomalee Three-wheel Taxi Drivers' Association (TDA).

The TDA argues that the magistrates ruling to remove all illegal religious structures was unconstitutional.

According to Sri Lanka's constitution, it is the government's duty to protect and develop Buddhism in the country.

Hartal

The Court of Appeal ordered the six accused including the Assistant Superintendant of Police (ASP) and Divisional Secretary to appear before the court on 30 June.

A Hartal called by the Trincomalee District Tamil Peoples Forum (TDTPF) demanding the removal of the newly erected statue has brought the eastern Sri Lankan town to a standstill last month.

The three wheel drivers in Trincomalee erected the controversial statue where a smaller Buddha statue stood earlier.

Tamil organisations decided to postpone a Hartal pending government action after courts ordered to remove four illegal religious constructions including the controversial Buddha statue.