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Colombo - A survey by the Sri
Lanka Buddha Sasana Ministry in Kalutara, Galle, Matara and Hambantota
districts had revealed that not a single Buddha statue in those
districts had been damaged in Sunday's tidal waves which caused
severe damage to other property.
Minister of Public Security, Law and
Order and Buddhasasana Minister, Ratnasiri Wickremanayake said yesterday
that although most temples in those districts were devastated by
tidal waves, Buddha statues in temples were unharmed.
"It's quite remarkable how Buddha
statues were preserved in such extreme conditions where other property
crumbled down to earth," Minister said.
"According to reports we have
received so far only Ven. Meegoda Pannaloka Thera had fallen victim
to the tidal waves and died," the Minister said.
A survey had also revealed that 39
temples in the above districts were badly damaged by the tidal waves.
The ministry has estimated that Rs.
36 million needs to be allocated to reconstruct the temples in four
districts. The Government has already allocated Rs. 4.5 million,
the Minister said. [LANKA DAILY NEWS]
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