E/CN.4/2006/5/Add.1 Page 74 Christian sentiments had re-surfaced with the main Buddhist representative party, the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) protesting against large amounts of Tsunami funds being allocated to Christian organisations. 342. The initial protests in this regard were allegedly directed at the Sri Lankan branch of the World Vision following funds generated from the Tsunami-aid cricket match being directed to the organisation for relief work. 343. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna party (JVP), had allegedly joined in the accusations that the allocation of funds to World Vision Sri Lanka would make conversions from Buddhism to Christianity more rampant. Response from the Government dated 17 March 2005 344. The Government indicated that it was not in a position to substantiate, deny or justify any statement or opinion expressed by independent political parties or organizations with regard to the allegations and concerns expressed in the Special Rapporteur’s communication. 345. Within the country’s democratic framework that provides for the freedom of expression and opinion, independent political parties, civil society organizations and religious groups and individuals have expressed different views on the subject of alleged unethical religious conversions in Sri Lanka. Therefore, it was the wish of the Government of Sri Lanka that during the forthcoming visit to Sri Lanka, the Special Rapporteur would be able to speak to all stakeholders on the issue of alleged unethical conversions and form an independent opinion on the subject, while appreciating the democratic framework that prevails in Sri Lanka not only with regard to freedom of religion or belief but also to the freedom of expression and opinion. Urgent appeal sent on 25 May 2005 346. The Special Rapporteur was informed that the erection of a Buddha statute in a bus -stand in the town of Trincomalee had provoked angry reactions since 17 May 2005. Two explosions had allegedly occurred close to the site where the Buddha statute stands; protests and demonstrations opposing the erection of the statute had taken place and a number of public establishments, schools, banks and other buildings had been closed for several days. As a result of the explosions and disturbances, one person was allegedly killed and a few others were injured. Observations 347. The Special Rapporteur is grateful for the Government’s response dated 17 March 2005 and would like to take this opportunity to once again thank the Government for having enabled her to visit Sri Lanka from 2 to 12 May 2005. For a full analysis of the situation of freedom of religion or belief in Sri Lanka, including regarding the issues raised above, the Special Rapporteur refers to the report she has recently submitted following her visit (E/CN.4/2006/5/Add.3).