It is regrettable that at a time when attempts are made within the framework of law to protect the Buddhist heritage that are on the veritage of collapse, some elements are making baseless allegation amongst the society for their personal gains.
It is clear that they are attempting to gain back the power they had lost by stirring up Buddhist aspirations of the people. It is clear that they want to sidetrack the public attention from their past records of corruption, malpractice etc that they engaged in.
At a time when attempts are being made to preserve the Buddhist heritage of this country with utmost care, some attempts are being made to misinterpret it and thereby raising doubts whether these are done to destroy the Buddhist heritage of this country. It is also seen as a presentation of a crisis between the Sangha and the State. It is also seen as a revengeful action in connection release issued by Asgiriya Chapter
The decision to conduct inquiries with regard to the issue of admission tickets wo the foreign tourists from 1996 to 2015 was made on 15th February 2017 at a meeting headed by the Dambulla Viharadhipathi Ven. Godagama Mangala, venerable clergy, Archaelogical and Central Cultural Fund officials and the Minister of Education Hon. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam. It is in this regard the discussions are being held between the Maha Sanga and the government.
The practice of offerings made by the public to be redirected to the temples is not a new practice started today. It is a practice imposed on the Ministry of Buddha Sasana. Knowing well this, some elements are bent on carrying out a propaganda that the government is gaining by way of these offerings to raise an alarm amongst the Buddhist population. It only betrays the mentally retarded attitude of those who carry out false propaganda to mislead the public and the clergy.
The matter of offering box and the issue of tickets for foreign tourists are two different issues. To issue tickets to tourists to view the archaeological sites and to direct such funds to the Central Cultural Fund for the benefit of preservation of the archaeological sites and temples are outline in legislation of Archaelogical Act, Central Cultural Fund Act and Vihara Temples act. While the facts remain this, it is regretted that baseless allegations are made otherwise.
We consider it an important priority to protect the statues and murals of the Dambulla Cave temples that are sadly damaged. Though many of our own people as Buddhists do not see it as thus, and appreciate its heritage value, foreign experts show these to us. It is because of this that the UNESCO has brought this to our notice to preserve and protect it. In addition ICOMOS has, along with the expert adivice of murals expert Vernor Smith, has come forward to preserve the caves in the culmination of a decision to be taken by the experts of Archaelogical Advisory Commission.
Accordingly, without hindrance to the conservation work, the number of visitors for viewing at the Temple and to control of duration of its openings, including the closing of the temple was suggested. We decided that we should consult the incumbent Viharadhipathi on this subject and find a way out. It is regretted that different meanings are made out of this. Some people even say that decisions are made to close down the Temple and carry out such propaganda amongst the society.
In order to carry on preservation works of archaeological sites, it is a normal practice to temporarily close down those sites. The sites such as the Great Wall of Chine, the Taj Mahal and the Buddha Gaya in India as well as our own Dalada Maligawa are some of those sites that were closed down temporarily, could be cited as examples. There is a danger of de-listing from the World Heritate Sites of the UNESCO if such conservation work is not carried out. If it happens Sri Lanka will be generally discredited as a nation that could not protect a site of great national heritage. As a result the international fame of the Cave Temples of Dambulla could be erased out. Let us be aware that the actions of the Hon Minister, his Ministry are to preserve the Buddhist vision and according to the existing law of the country and with the blessings of the Maha Sangha. While the Dambulla Cave Temples are falling apart due to destruction some disgruntled political elements are shedding crocodile tears and criticize us. It is clear that these people are shouting not at all for the love of the nation or religion but for aspiration of political power.
Fully realising the factual situation of the Cave Temples in Dambulla, ending the false propaganda of creating fear amongst people being raised for political advantage, our protection of our heritage should go on forward without hindrance. We should resolve to protect our Buddhist heritage of this country with the blessings of the Three Chapters of the Maha Sangha including the Malwattu and Asgiriya Chapters, whose blessings for the protection and preservation of the national Buddhist heritage and achaelogical sites is appreciated.
