KANDY, Sri Lanka: Hundreds of Muslims demonstrated Friday against the destruction of pre-Islamic Buddhist statues by Afghanistan's Taliban militia and called for Pakistan's intervention to prevent further damage.

After Friday Muslim prayers in this Buddhist holy city, 90 kilometres (56 miles) east of the capital, Colombo, about 700 Muslims marched through the streets carrying banners and shouting slogans.

Some banners read, "Islam respects all religions." Others said, "We call on Pakistan to intervene."

Two weeks ago, Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar ordered the destruction of pre-Islamic statues in Afghanistan, including two towering Buddha statues in the central Bamiyan valley. The third and fifth century sculptures were demolished last week.

Sri Lanka, which is mostly Buddhist, protested against the destruction. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake visited Pakistan and offered to accept any remaining statues.

There have been demonstrations in various parts of the country denouncing the Taliban's decision. On Wednesday, hundreds of Buddhist monks joined protesters on a peaceful march in Colombo.

Muslims make up about 7 per cent of Sri Lanka's 18.7 million people. (AP)