President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has raised concerns over a building project at the historic Peliyagoda Vidyalankara Pirivena that has remained incomplete for nearly two decades, despite repeated allocations of public funds.
Speaking at the “Yelasiya Abiman” 150th anniversary celebration held at the Kelaniya Vidyalankara International Buddhist Conference Hall on Sunday (2), the President said the construction, which began in 2005, has yet to be completed due to inefficiencies and neglect within the State mechanism.
He noted that a large section of the building remains unused, with issues such as missing copper wiring, lack of electricity, and deterioration of walls, despite efforts by the Buddha Sasana Ministry to expedite work. “If it takes 20 years to open a building in a country with advanced technology and industrial knowledge, one can understand the level of disorder we live in,” the President remarked.
President Dissanayake said Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi had submitted a Cabinet paper seeking to complete the project and restore the building. He linked the vandalism and theft of materials to the growing drug menace, stressing that the government will intensify efforts to curb the problem.
“This is public tax money. When spending made in 2005 produces results only in 2025, we have failed to do justice to the people,” he said.
The event also featured the launch of the new Vidyalankara Pirivena website and the presentation of honorary titles to senior monks and distinguished laypersons. (Newswire)