The protest was staged demanding the release of civilian lands belonging to the Tissa Raja Maha Vihara. The demonstration was led by Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) Member of Parliament S. Sridharan along with a group of supporters.
Tensions arose when protesters attempted to enter the temple premises and police intervened to prevent them from doing so. As the situation escalated, Palaly Police arrested five individuals, including Velan Sami, a Hindu priest from Jaffna.