Govt moots Mihintale Preservation Fund

Mohammed Naalir in Mihintale

A Mihintale Preservation Fund will established soon on the advice of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Petroleum Resources Minister Duminda Dissanayake said yesterday.

He was speaking at the commencement of the Mihintale Aloka Pooja organised by ANCL for the 46th year in collaboration with the CEB. The programme is sponsored by Abans Limited.

Minister Dissanayake said the Government aimed to turn the 450 care sacred site to a world heritage site while preserving it for future generations.

"The light of peace and harmony was first brought to Sri lanka at this historic locality by Arahat Mahinda more than 2,315 years ago. The time has dawned again to radiate that message of peace and harmony throughout the country," he added.

He said the country sorely needed peace at this juncture. The Government was striving to achieve peace.

Mihintale Raja Maha Viharadhipathi Ven.Namalwewe Dharmakeerthi Sri Ratanasara Thera said Lake House has rendered a yeoman service by continuing the Aloka Pooja for 46 years.

The Ven. Thera expressed satisfaction that the Government was keen to preserve the sacred area through the establishment of a fund and other measures.

"The President must be commended for initiating this meritorious deed," the Ven. Thera added.

Senior officials from Lake House, Abans and the CEB participated.