Velusumana villagers want proper approach road to Viharaya

by Senapura D. Nissanka - Anuradhapura East Group Correspondent

People living in Velusumanagama (presently known as Veruppankulama) in the Anuradhapura district request the authorities concerned to develop their village and the Velusuamanaramaya temple bringing them under the Gama Neguma programme.

Velusumanagama, according to legend, was rewarded to the great warrior Velusumana by King Dutugemunu in recognition of his contribution to the war fought against King Elara. Velusamana Rajamaharamaya was built by Velusumana specially for the benefit of his mother facilitating her to perform religious observances.

Veruppankulama is located about three miles from the Seeppukulama-Galenbindunuwewa main road. The turning point to the approach road to Veruppankulama is located close to Seeppukulama town.

Villagers are very proud of Velusumana and claim that they are his descendants. The first task Velusumana accomplished after the village was gifted to him by King Dutugemunu was the construction of the Raja Maha Viharaya for his mother to attend to her religious activities.

A pond was also made by him for her to bathe.

The biggest problem, according to the villagers, is the lack of a proper approach road to the Viharaya. They hope this will become a reality under the Maga Neguma programme.