"We will take action to develop temples immediately" - PM

COLOMBO (News 1st):- Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa attended an event held in Tangalle today (February 29). The epistle declaring a land belonging to the Wagegoda Rankothmaluwa Rajamaha Viharaya in Tangalle as a holy site, was handed over to its chief incumbent today, under the auspices of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Speaking at the occasion, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said;

"During the previous regime, some temples were given at Rs. 40 to 50 million. Some temples were given millions to construct just a section of the temple. But there are some temples that were not given a cent. We have instructed the subject minister and relevant authorities in this regard. We have requested a report from them. We will take action and implement a program to develop the temples immediately."

In response the Paravenadipathi of the Godakawela Mahinda Pirivena, Venerable Kohonpitiye Suseela Thero said;

"We request the prime minister to facilitate the process where the theros of the respective divisional secretariats, can solve any issue concerning the assets and properties of the temples under their purview through a court verdict, along with the recommendations of the thero in charge of the province, the grama seva officers and the Mahanayaka Thero of the respective sect. We urge the prime minister to look into this matter."

Meanwhile, a sacred offering to the Sri SPMambudda Mandiraya of the Angunukolapelassa Kulasinhagama Sri Bodirukkarama Viharaya took place today, under the auspices of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.