Kataragama Ambalama neglected
Text and pictures by M. Nelson Piyaratne
The Ambalama or resting place at Kataragama Gam Udawa has been
neglected to the dismay of the residents of Kataragama.
This Ambalama was constructed in 1987 parallel to Kataragama Gam
Udawa for the pilgrims to take a rest and partake their meals.
This Ambalama was built according to ancient craftsmanship of Sri
Lanka spending about Rs. 500,000 of public funds. After several years
this building started decaying due to the lack of maintenance by the
authorities, Kataragama Urban Development Authority. Now the valuable
roof of this Ambalama has been removed leaving only the cement pillars.
If timely actions were taken this valuable beautiful structure would
have been saved, the residents say.
When the media contacted Kataragama U.D.A. an unidentified high
official said that the U.D.A. did not remove the roof.
He further said that this Ambalama is situated on the pavement of the
road so this building belongs to Road Development Authority.
|