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Hambantota hub of activity in 3 or 4 years

by Hambantota special correspondent M. R. M. Niyas

Minister of Southern Region Development Ananda Kularatne said Hambantota district will be a hub of activity in the next three or four years. There will be several mega development in the district.

The feasibility study for the construction of the international harbour at Hambantota will commence on the first week of the next month.

The Minister was speaking at the inauguration of the renovation work of the Bandagiriya Purana Raja Maha Vihara Dagaba at Bandagiriya in the Hambantota DS area on May 26. The renovation of the Dagaba was initiated to coincide with the construction of the international harbour.

He said: "After the completion of the Hambantota harbour construction work, the Dagaba should be clearly seen from ships anchored at the Hambantota Port. Since the independence of Sri Lanka, until I spoke on the Hambantota Port and the International Sea route, no MP spoke regarding this in Parliament'.

Minister Kularatne said Ruhuna was the cradle of the Buddhist culture and civilisation, but until the recent times, Ruhuna received stepmotherly treatment.

The renovation of the Bandagiriya Raja Maha Vihara Dagaba will be completed as quickly as possible. The business community has come forward to assist in this meritorious act, by donating money generously. The renovation of this Dagaba will be handled by the Department of Archaeology. Another program is also under way to assist financially those temples which are at a disadvantage in the Hambantota district.

Viharadhipathi of Vanawasa Kuda Vihara, Kirulapana Sri Sidartha Vihara, and Bandagiriya Purana Raja Maha Vihara Rajakeeya Pandita Vewahamanduwa Vachissara Thera said: 'The ancient tanks, Viharas and Dagabas were destroyed but the rulers of yester years did not pay attention to renovate these important landmarks in our history. The bold decision to renovate the Dagaba of the Bandagiriya Purana Raja Maha Vihara by the Ministry of Southern Region Development on the instructions of the Minister Ananda Kularatne should be commended. The ancient places of historical importance should be protected and preserved for posterity', the Thera said.

Dr. Victor Hettigoda, Consultant to the Ministry of Southern Region Development and Vice Chairman, Master Divers Ltd. Ariyaseela Wickramanayaka also spoke. The welcome speech was delivered by the Additional Director General of the SDA A. P. Nandasena. 

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