CSF reinstates past glory of Mihintale
Nimal Wijesinghe- Anuradhapura Additional District
Correspondent
The Civil Security Force (CSF) was entrusted with the Mihintale
sacred city restoration project.
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Civil Security Force personnel are engaged in rehabilitation
activities in the Mihintale sacred city. Picture by Amila
Prabath Wanasinghe |
One thousand and five hundred civil security members commenced their
work in the Mihintale sacred city of 600 acres, covered with jungle and
the scrub jungle.
Mihintale Rajamaha Viharadhipathi and Mihintales sacred city
custodian Venerable Walawahengunawewa Dhammarathana Nayaka Thera said
when he requested President Mahinda Rajapaksa to intervene in the task
of reviving the past splendour and the glory of the Mihintale sacred
landscape, the President immediately responded to the request and tasked
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to have Civil Security members
mobilized to implement the programme.
"The ancient Royal Park which was once the hunting ground for kings
will be restored to its past glory. The programme will give a facelift
to Maha Seya, Ath Wehera, Indikatu Seya, Sela Chetiya, Girikanda Chetiya,
Kanishka Chetiya enabling pilgrims to reach them and other shrines in
obscurity," the Thera said. He said the civil security personnel will
contribute to the construction of a new Dhana Salawa, a Sangawasa and
infrastructural development activities in the sacred city. The Thera
said the task will be completed before the next Poson celebrations.
Historical ponds such as Kaludiya Pokuna, Naga Pokuna, Sinha Pokuna
will be rehabilitated with parks being made around them. Boutiques along
the climbing steps will be removed to a trading zone at a corner of the
Mihintale town, the Thera said. |
