Reconstruction of tsunami hit temples begin in July - Buddha Sasana Minister

by A.W. Gunawardhana, Matara Central corespondent

One hundred and ninety seven temples have been either completely or partly washed away due to tsunami disaster. Reconstruction of such temples will begin in July 2005.

The necessary funds for the purpose, have already been released by the Treasury said the Minister of Buddha Sasana Ratnasiri Wickramanayake when he addressed a seminar attended by Chief Incumbents of viharas and Govt. officials held recently at the co-ordinating committee parlour adjacent to the Chief Ministers' office, Matara.

After listening to the views of Vihara Adipathi Monks, Minister Wickramanayake said, funds used for the purpose are not foreign aid and we do not wish such aid to flow into the country too. It is a fact that some aid received from the countries like Japan and Phillipines are there. Those devastated temples that stood within the radius of 100 meters zone now in force will have to be shifted elsewhere. For that purpose lands have to be acquired.

He said in our endeavour Chief Incumbent monks need to act in co-operation with the Divisional Secretaries of the respective areas by providing necessary plans and estimates for the reconstruction of buildings and acquisition of lands required.

The Minister said according to estimates so provided renovation and reconstruction could be started in stages under the direct supervision of Divisional Secretaries and Dayaka Sabhas of the respective temples. If the Dayaka Sabhas and Chief Incumbent monks of devastated viharas insist that the temples should be relocated at the same venue irrespective of 100 meter restriction rule, Govt. will give due considerations to such requests too. No missionaries of other faiths will be allowed to do any harm to Buddhism or its followers.

Secretary to the Minister of Buddha Sasana D. Abeywickrema, Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs K.W.D. Sunil, Additional District Secretary Matara S.A. Piyasena and Divisional Secretaries and Chief Incumbent Monks in the districts also addressed the gathering.