KANDY – A sum of Rupees 120 million from Sri Dalada Maligawa funds had been allocated for the rehabilitation the Buddhist temples and monasteries in the Trincomalee District, destroyed during the war, Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela said on Tuesday (08).
Dela said so, at a ceremony to mark the handing over of more than Rs. 30 million to about 40 temples and monasteries in the Trincomalee District in the Divisional Secretariat divisions of Gomarankadawala and Seruwawila on Tuesday (08).
Anunayake Theras of Malwatte and Asgiriya most venerable Dimbulkumbure Sri Wimaladhamma and Wendauwe Sri Upali Theras respectively presided over the event at Gomarankadawala Ranpokunugama Vihare and Seruwavila Mangala Maha Vihare.
Diyawadana Nilame Dela told the meetings that the project for rehabilitating Damulu temples in the North and East had been conducted under the guidance of the two Mahanayake Theras of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters.
The temples and monasteries would be developed according to plans and designs prepared by experts and their ancient features retained, the Diyawadana Nilame said.
He said the programme for assisting the Buddhist activities with funds of the Sri Dalada Maligawa had commenced in the year 2006 and more than Rs. 1,200 million had been allocated since then.
The Diyawadana Nilame urged the Maha Sangha and the laity in the Trincomalee district to provide maximum support to the project as the project was of national importance.
Dela presented the cheques to the custodians of the Buddhist temples earmarked for rehabilitation.
Most Venerable Anunayake Theras delivered Anusasana. District Secretary of Trincomalee M. N. Pushpakumara and Divisional Secretary of Seruwawila P.R. Jayaratne were present.
Members of the Karaka Sangha Sabas of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters Venerable Ambanwelle Sri Sobitha, Etipola Sri Buddharakkitha, Molagoda Sri Dhammaratana and Arambegama Sri Saranankara also graced the occasion.