Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Dispute at historical temple
By Damitha Hemachandra
The Buddhasasana Ministry yesterday promised to inquire into the allegations made by the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) that the Divisional Secretary of Potuvil had prevented the construction of a ' Sangaramaya' in a temple premises by the chief incumbent of the Muhudu Maha Viharaya Ven. Kataragama Siriratana Thera.
JHU leader, Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thera accused the provincial authorities of interfering with the activities of the temple. However the Archaeology Department said the Sangarama project was not allowed as its site came within the archaeological conservation area.
However Ven. Medhananda Thera said the best part of the 30 acre archaeology reservation had already been encroached by the villagers backed by politicians in the area and that there were nearly 20 houses built within the reservation.
He said the authorities had not taken action against these encroachers who had allegedly vandalised the nearly 2000 year old Muhudu Maha Viharaya."
The Muhudu Maha Viharaya had been declared a historical monument in 1965 and the temple had been the target of vandals since 1982.
The Buddhasasana Ministry yesterday promised to inquire into the allegations made by the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) that the Divisional Secretary of Potuvil had prevented the construction of a ' Sangaramaya' in a temple premises by the chief incumbent of the Muhudu Maha Viharaya Ven. Kataragama Siriratana Thera.
JHU leader, Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thera accused the provincial authorities of interfering with the activities of the temple. However the Archaeology Department said the Sangarama project was not allowed as its site came within the archaeological conservation area.
However Ven. Medhananda Thera said the best part of the 30 acre archaeology reservation had already been encroached by the villagers backed by politicians in the area and that there were nearly 20 houses built within the reservation.
He said the authorities had not taken action against these encroachers who had allegedly vandalised the nearly 2000 year old Muhudu Maha Viharaya."
The Muhudu Maha Viharaya had been declared a historical monument in 1965 and the temple had been the target of vandals since 1982.
