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Steps taken to restore ancient Buddhist Centre

J. Gunadasa Jayawickrema - Galewela Group Correspondent

Above picture shows the basement of the ancient dagaba of Vehera Bendi Hinne at Pathkolagolle to the west of Galewela. (picture by: J. Gunadasa Jayawickrema - Galewela Group Correspondent)

Members of Sri Sudharmodaya Young Men's Buddhist Association of Pathkolagolle have taken steps to restore the ancient Buddhist Centre of worship situated on the rock to the west of their habitat. In order to draw the attention of the people, living in the neighbourhood, they have started a Sunday Dhamma School. Ten young boys and five young girls have volunteered to teach Buddhism and other relevant subjects to about 70 children enrolled in this week-end school.

H. P. Manjula Indunil Kumara the President of the newly formed YMBA told the Daily Newsthat the basement of a dagaba was covered by a shrub jungle until recently.

They cleared the area and, as a result two ponds, large number of stone pillars, two stone inscriptions and parts of a Buddha Statue made with lime stone have emerged. Treasure hunters have dug up the middle of the dagaba as well as near the new belfry.

When inquired the Secretary of the Youth Movement K. R. Ravindra Premarathne said that a large number of artifacts are scattered over an area of 10 acres.

A picturesque pond situated below the dagaba of Vehera Bendi Hinne, the site of historical monument to the west of Galewela town.

Wagollayaya is situated to the west of this site: a hillock called "Veherakande (hill of the dagaba) is to the North and the area beyond it is called Palu - Hombawa. The biggest and oldest temple-tree bearing red flowers and a spreading its shade on to the dagoba is situated above the pond.

The members of the YMBA recently set up a special fund to extend main electricity supply and drinking water facilities to this ancient Buddhist institution.

They have requested Deputy Head of Galewela Buddhist Centre Ven. Watagala Janananda Thera to appoint a group of residential bhikkhus to consolidate the Buddhist practices and to guide the YMBA in its future activities.

They also urge the authorities of the Department of Archaeology to conduct systematic excavations to unearth the historical monuments, to ascertain the time of construction and to preserve them for the future.

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