Access road to Sripada to be renovated

The Government will reconstruct the access road to the Sripada Maluwa (seven km) at a cost of Rs. 200 million for the convenience of thousands of pilgrims doing the trek to Sripada from next month. This is to mark the fourth anniversary of President Mahinda Rajapaksa assuming the office as the Executive President.

Highways and Road Development Minister T.B. Ekanayake told the Daily News that the reconstruction work will commence on November 24 on a special request by President Rajapaksa.

The reconstruction is expected to be completed before the Sripada season begins next month for the convenience of pilgrims coming from all parts of the country.

Minister Ekanayake said the stairway from Nallathanni to Seetha Gangula is reconstructed at a cost of Rs. 9 million as the first phase of the project. The Road Development Authority (RDA) has carried out construction work with financial assistance provided through the Gama Neguma program. "A stairway with 14,000 steps to enter the Sripada temple, the safety fence and drainage system will also be renovated for devotees' convenience under the patronage of Chief Incumbent of Sripada Temple Handapangoda Sri Wimala Thera," the Minister said.

Reconstruction of the access road has been prioritized by the Government under the state project to develop sacred areas in the country.