|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Tuesday, 2 September 2003 |
 |
|
 |
News | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
The development work at the sacred area around the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya was inaugurated on September 30 by Minister of Western Region Development, M. H. Mohamed with the participation of Minister of Interior Affairs, John Amaratunga under the guidance of Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangarakkitha Maha Thera. Priority has been given to the provision of basic facilities to the pilgrims and planting of trees and landscaping of open areas in keeping with the religious atmosphere. Accordingly construction of an internal road system and a path for the perahera, provision of a illumination system, provision of potable water, toilet and parking facilities, establishment of a commercial area and construction of a fence have been completed under the Kelaniya sacred area planning scheme, the Ministry of Western Region Development said in a press release. It was also necessary to build a viewing platform for the benefit of the thousands who come to Kelaniya to see the perahera. National Physical Planning Department has made arrangements to commence these development activities in 2003. Proprietor of the Nawaloka Group, H. K. Dharmadasa has donated Rs. 4 million to construct the Wahalkada on the western side. These activities planned by the department to be completed at a cost of Rs. 8 million. Addressing the gathering Minister Mohamed said that Sri Lankans must protect the Buddhist culture irrespective of ethnic, religious or party affiliation. "I consider it as very fortunate to be associated with these development activities where the Lord Buddha has visited. Although we are facing financial problems while on a difficult path to establish peace, on the instructions of the Prime Minister action will be taken to develop all temples in the country," Mohamed said. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
