A MOTION condemning violent attacks on religious groups has come under fire amid claims it excludes Sri Lankans.

Brent Council's Tory party called for unity following attacks on a synagogue and Jewish school children, but splinter group the Democratic Conservatives say they “missed out” a Buddhist Temple.

The Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre, in Kingsbury Road, has been the victim of six attacks since 2007, all thought to be related to the conflict between the Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lankan government.

A motion put before tonight's full council meeting condemned a recent rise in anti-semitic violence but did not mention the the temple.

Councillor Bob Blackman, leader of the Tory Group, raised the issue verbally when introducing the motion, but his Democratic Conservative rivals said by then it was too late.

Councillor Robert Dunwell, leader of the faction, said: “It's not that we don't support the proposals but the motion missed out all mention of the recent Buddhist attacks.

“It missed out all mention of Islamaphobia. What the council is judged on is what goes down in the motion, not pretty words.”

Councillor Kanta Mistry (Cons/Queensbury) also expressed her sympathy for the people who run the temple and the monks who live there.

She said: “These are cowardly acts committed by a few individuals who have no respect for other cultures and beliefs but do such evil deeds.”

Rupa Monerawela, secretary of the temple, said it was only through luck that a recent arson attack did not set fire to the temple, killing the monks inside.

She said: “They are frightened and anxious in the night. They keep vigilant every night because they are not sure if it's safe.

“We felt the action had not come. According to the police they are taking action but they cannot tell exactly what's going on.”

She said she was glad Cllr Blackman mentioned the attacks even though they were not in the actual motion.

She believes a Brent based group is against the temple celebrating Sri Lankan national events.