Special security added to Hong Kong monastery ‘to cater to foreign VIP visitors’
High Court hears claim from contractor for HK$335 million in outstanding bills
The developer of a Tai Po monastery that was built with sponsorship from Hong Kong’s richest man, Li Ka-shing, said high security was required in some of the sanctuary’s facilities because they may receive prominent visitors such as the leader of Buddhist nation Sri Lanka.
The disclosure came after Tsz Shan Monastery developer Metta Resources was caught in a bitter and lengthy court battle with the facility’s builder Chun Wo Building Construction, which is seeking almost HK$335 million in outstanding bills from Metta.
READ MORE: Li Ka-shing funded monastery with bullet-proof dorm, writ shows
Witnesses from the construction company revealed to the High Court details about the bullet-proof windows and doors fitted to the dormitory block at the monastery, a move challenged by Metta.
Senior counsel John Scott representing the developer described the revelation as “malicious”, noting that the monastery required high security because many local and foreign dignitaries would visit.
Not only Li but also many VIPs would be served at the facilities, the lawyer said.
Metta successfully sought a court order to strike out those witness statements.