Sri Pada sacred area project: second stage launched

Work on the second stage of the Sri Pada Sacred Area Development Project was launched at a ceremony at the sacred area yesterday (June 10).

The Sri Pada Sacred Area Development Project is handled by the Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Ministry led by Minister Dinesh Gunawardena under the guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and patronage of Sri Pada Viharadhikari Ven. Dhampahala Seelananda Thera.

A Ministry release said the first stage of the project involving the construction of the approach road and flight of steps from Nallathanniya to Seetha Gangula had been completed at a cost of Rs. 6 million with part assistance from the Commercial Bank.

The second stage from Seetha Gangula onwards is estimated to cost Rs. 6.4 million and it would be undertaken with private sector assistance.

Standard Chartered Bank, SANASA Development Bank, L.L.C. Company, Hatton National Bank and Holcim Ltd are among the private sector institutions assisting the project. A bus stand would also be built at Nallathanny at a cost of Rs. 4 million while Rs. 11 million would be spent on the provision of Rest Hall (Vishramasala) facilities under this project.