Abhayagiriya construction to be over by 2012

Priyanka Kurugala

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A plan has been drawn up to complete all construction programmes of the historical Abhayagiriya Stupa by the end of 2012, said Central Cultural Fund Director General Prof Nimal de Silva

He said that by the end of this year, constructions of Hathares Kotuwa will be completed.

"The Central Cultural Fund needs labour to bring building material such as bricks and sand to the shrine abode," a ministry source said.

The kiln that provided special bricks to the Abhayagiriya Stupa was destroyed in the recent floods. Therefore, the Cultural Affairs Ministry had taken measures to call for tenders through newspaper advertisements for the supply of bricks.

"The ministry has appointed an officer-in-charge and an assistant director to oversee the Abhayagiriya construction project. Ten experienced officers and 250 workers have also been appointed by the ministry to accelerate this project," Prof de Silva said.