Officials and bhikkus reach agreement on Dambulla restoration

The bhikkus and archaeological officers have both agreed that the renovations of the Dambulla Rock Temple must be conducted under the supervision of the Buddhist monks who are in charge of the temple.

Registrar of the Asgiri chapter, Ven. Medagoda Dhammananda Thero stated that the agreement had been arrived at following a discussion at the Asgiri Temple.

According to the Thero, the discussion also witnessed the case proving the fallacy of the rumours that claimed that the Temple would be closed down.

The Thero accordingly confirmed that pilgrims would have the ability to worship at the Temple even amidst renovations.

Furthermore, Ven. Medagoda Dhammananda Thero stated that future courses of action would be taken with the involvement of the Central Cultural Fund as well as the Archaeological Department.

The parties who participated in the discussion also reportedly agreed that the income avenues of the Temple would be overseen by the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs.

Ven. Medagoda Dhammananda Thero remarked that whether or not the Dambulla Temple would continue as a world heritage was not up to him, and that he would merely follow the path advocated by Buddhism.

The Government, however, has a responsibility to take necessary action in relation to the future of the world heritage status accorded to the Dambulla Temple, the Thero stated.

Ven. Medagoda Dhammananda Thero then proceeded to state that he hoped to engage in amicable discussions with the Government and the minister responsible, and added that action must be taken impartially as a government, without ulterior political motives.