The sacred Buddhist place of worship, Sri Bodhiraja temple in Madu area, along Mannar - Parayanakulam road that remained dilapidated and abandoned after 1985, following escalation of LTTE terrorism in the area received a facelift and was reopened for the benefit of about 500 Buddhists residing in the area.
This temple in the past had provided spiritual assistance to the Buddhists in and around Madhu area since 1958, but LTTE terrorism forced all Sinhalese residents to desert the areas in fear of LTTE terrorism.
Troops of 611 Brigade, headed by its Brigade Commander, under the supervision of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 61 Division completed the repairs and opened it for veneration once again during a ceremony on Saturday (24).
Major General G.D.H.K Gunaratne, Commander, Security Forces - Wanni (SF-W) placed a new Buddha statue at this renovated Sri Bodhiraja temple and sanctified the premises once again. Nearly 500 Buddhists who have now returned to their original places of residence upon conclusion of the 30 year long terrorism flocked to the occasion and participated in the religious observations.
All devotees attending the occasion were provided free transport and food parcels by Sri Lanka Light Infantry troops in the area.
Brigadier A Kariyakarawana, GOC of 61 Division, Brigadier A.P de Z Wickramaratne GOC of 21 Division, Brigadier K.G.D Perera Brigade Commander of 611 Brigade, Battalion Commanders, Officers and Other Ranks were also present on the occasion.
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