Rs. 180 million has been allocated solely from the Central Cultural Fund for the conservation of Gallangolla Mulamaha Viharaya
The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks on June 19 while attending the commencement of restoration work at the Pothgul Mulamaha Viharaya in Gallangolla, Welamboda, Udunuwara, which was damaged by Cyclone Ditwah. The restoration project is being undertaken jointly by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and the Central Cultural Fund.
The restoration activities at the temple commenced under the guidance of the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Ambanpola Sarada Nayaka Thero.
Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:
The true objectives of the Central Cultural Fund are now being delivered effectively. Rs. 185 million has been allocated for the conservation of Gallangolla Moolamaha Viharaya solely from the Fund’s allocations. This clearly demonstrates how much more could have been accomplished if the resources of the Central Cultural Fund had not been misused in the past.
The government collects revenue not to keep it in the Treasury or for any other purpose, but to return benefits to the people. The government has allocated Rs. 500 million for relief efforts related to the cyclone Ditwah. We are also taking steps to construct 15,000 houses. All of this is being done without resorting to additional borrowing.
At the same time, if we are to move towards the transformative era we aspire to achieve as a government, economic development alone is not sufficient. We must develop every sector, including our heritage, culture, and education. In particular, if we are to pass on our heritage and culture to future generations, we must protect them today. By conserving the Gallangolla Pothgul Mulamaha Viharaya, not only will this important heritage site be safeguarded, but the entire area will also benefit and develop.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, stated:
The Central Cultural Fund has allocated Rs. 504 million for the restoration of seven major religious sites that were damaged by Cyclone Ditwah and the largest allocation Rs. 185 million has been granted to this temple. All of these funds have been provided from the allocations of the Central Cultural Fund.
The event was attended by the Maha Sangha led by Venerable Godamunne Pangnakitti Nayaka Thero, Chief Sanghanayake of the Central Province of the Ramanna Nikaya and Principal of the Udunuwara Nigrodhakeththa Maha Pirivena; Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni; Members of Parliament; public representatives; officials of the Central Cultural Fund and the Department of Archaeology; other government officials; and a large number of residents of the area.
Prime Minister’s Media Division