Govt to develop Seruwila sacred area

Chamikara Weerasinghe

COLOMBO: With the liberation of Eastern Province from LTTE terrorists, the Government will develop the Seruwila sacred area.

The site is to become a World Heritage Site on a proposal by UNESCO. The Ministry of Construction and Engineering Services had held discussions with the Maha Sangha including Viharadhipathi of Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara Ven. Saranakitthi Nayaka Thera, Ven. Nugegoda Atthadassi Thera and Ven. Munhena Mettananda Thera about developing the area.

Sri Lanka’s UNESCO representative Preethi Perera participated.

Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Secretary of the Seruwila Sacred City Development Association and Construction and Engineering Services Minister Rajitha Senaratna, the Association’s President and Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services Minister Maitripala Sirisena were present.

An estimated cost of Rs. 27 million will be allocated for developing the grounds and another Rs. 51 million will be used for the project’s township development, ministry sources said.

The Seruwila Sacred Area development involves reconstruction of the shrine, sacred relic chamber, library , dharma hall and the construction of a museum. It has been decided at the meeting to get financial support from the Nation Building Ministry and the Religious Affairs Ministry.