Islandwide temples will be developed - PM

The government has given priority for the development of temples and dagobas throughout the country during the 2600th Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi period, said Prime Minister D M Jayaratne when he opened a new two storeyed dharmasala building at the Sri Abhayaselarama temple in Narawila, Mathugama recently.

Funds for the facility has been donated by a group of Japanese donors.

The Prime Minister said, a large number of the nearly 11,000 temples countrywide needed urgent repairs. Plans are afoot to develop them with the assistance of the public and private sectors.

As the Minister for Buddhist Affairs, he has now visited nearly 400 temples countrywide. The Maha Sangha which has protected our nation throughout history can be considered as the flag bearers of this nation. Therefore, protecting the Maha Sangha is a great national service. He said, following the end of the war, a programme is underway to rebuild religious centres and conserve archaeological sites in the North and East for the benefit of future generations.

Transport Minister Kumara Welgama said, people should thank the Prime Minister for his indefatigable efforts for the development of temples and other places of worship.