Cabinet clears Rs. 232 m to restore 144 religious sites damaged by Cyclone Ditwah

Friday, 14 August 2026 06:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved to restore 144 more religious sites affected by Cyclone Ditwah using Rs. 232.07 million in available funds.

The move is aimed at supporting the restoration of religious sites affected by Cyclone Ditwah and enabling communities to resume religious and cultural activities at the damaged locations.

The Government noted that a total of 1,328 places of worship representing Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities have reportedly been affected by various disasters associated with Cyclone Ditwah.

The affected sites include 758 Buddhist temples, 272 Hindu religious places, 199 Muslim religious places, and 99 Christian religious places.

Renovation work has already been initiated at 256 of the affected places of worship using Rs. 929.69 million allocated through the Buddha Sasana Fund, Central Cultural Fund, and Anagarika Dharmapala Foundation. This allocation includes Rs. 329.62 million provided in accordance with Cabinet decisions made on 27 April 2026 and 15 June 2026.

The proposal to this effect was submitted by Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.