Mediriya cave temple murals, Buddha statues face destruction
M. A. R. Manukulasooriya Hiriyala group
correspondent
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The Res Walalla of the Buddha statue has been damaged. |
The murals and Buddha statues at Mediriya cave temple in the
Ibbagamuwa Divisional Secretariat division are facing destruction due to
non-maintenance and non-conservation.
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The Cave Temple.
Pictures by Chandrathilaka Rathnayake, Ibbagamuwa Special
Correspondent |
This situation has arisen as there was no residential monk for a long
time. The Dagoba on a stone slab above the cave temple has been damaged
by the treasure hunters and only a heap of earth can be seen there
today.
This place is looked after by Ven. Udurawana Somarathana Thera, Chief
Adhikarana Sanga Nayake of Ihala Dolospattuwa at present.
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Murals that are fading. |
"This temple was built during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa.
Buddha statues in the cave temple were built during the Kandyan era and
are now on the verge of collapsing.
The walls of the temple are cracked while murals are fading. Murals
and statues in this temple should be maintained and conserved," he said.
He urged the authorities to preserve the murals and Buddha statues.
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