Abhayagiriya construction:

Ministry seeks public help

Priyanka KURUGALA

The Culture and Arts Ministry is requesting help from the public to complete the construction of the Abhayagiriya Stupa, a ministry spokesman said.

Any organization or person wishing to take part in this can contact Project Officer Jayantha Ratnayake on 071-5549007, 025-2222351 or 025-3856709.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has directed the Culture and Arts Ministry to complete the construction of the Abhayagiriya Stupa soon, the source said. A group of monks and foreigners are also providing manpower for the Abhayagiriya stupa construction project, he said.

Around 250 people from the Maho Provincial Council Division have provided labour to expedite this task. Maho Sasanarakshaka Balamandala Chairman Ven Mahamadagalle Upananda Thera and Ven Athuruwala Pannaratnana Thera have given leadership for this shramadana campaign. Sri Lanka Army has also provided manpower to make this project a success.

Due to floods in the past, around 80,000 unburnt bricks and firewood used for the construction of the stupa had been washed away. As a result, a number of projects scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, will have to be continued for around one and half years, the ministry source said.