Govt. rehabilitates damaged Buddhist temples

Biyagama special corr.

BIYAGAMA: The Government has allocated Rs. 7 million for the rehabilitation of Buddhist places of religious worship damaged in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. It has been planned to complete this work within 180 days, said Religious Affairs Minister Pandu Bandaranayake.

He was speaking at a meeting to mark the unveiling of a new Buddha Statue installed in a Budu Medura at Pattiwila, Biyagama udder a programme organised by the Pattiwila SLFP branch led by its Secretary Lal Ranjith.

The Buddha Statue was donated by Ajith Sooriyarachchi.

Minister Bandaranayake said the Government was always prepared to facilitate a religious and spiritual awakening in the country concurrently with its economic development effort.

While protecting and nurturing Buddhism it would also provide an equal place to other religious denominations. A religious background was also essential to foster unity and peace.

Ven. Kalugahakumbure Vajira Thera, Ven. Pathegama Rahula Thera, provincial Council Member Rehenasiri Waragoda, U. George Perera, Pattiwila SLFP branch Secretary Lal ranjith and several others also spoke.