Governor urged to stop desecration of hermitage

In a bid to save the Bodhi Maluwa and the Bellfry of the Hermitage Temple at the Hilltop of Bahirawakanda, Kandy, a large number of dismayed devotees and dignitaries have complained to the New Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa alleging that certain unscrupulous officials are on the verge of destroying the serenity of the Buddhist Meditation Centre on the pretext of expanding the water storage tank.

According to the memorandum supported by public signatures not only Buddhists but also those of other religious denominations have expressly condemned the arbitrary decisions taken by the Water Supply and Drainage Board officials to destroy the Bodhi Maluwa and the Bell Tower of the Sri Abhinawarama Viharaya, despite the fact that it had already taken 35 perches from the temple premises.

It is questionable as to why the Water Board officials act so rigidly and oversee the immediate bearland but adamant to cause to heavy forestry destruction and desecration to the sacred premises unreasonably.

Though humble in its appearance during the past three-quarter of a century this monastery has silently and solemnly rendered yeomen service to the public who seek emotional security as well as native medical care.

The 70-year-old scholarly and solitary monk known as Ven. Kohombepola Pannananda Weda Hamuduruwo continues to serve the public by providing free medical treatment.

The objections raised so far, over this harassment by the Ven. Maha Nayaka Thera of the Ramanna Nikaya, the Commissioner of Buddhasasana Affairs and the Diyawadana Nilame has fallen on deaf ears.