The iron handrail on the climb to the Aradhana Gala where Arahat Mahinda Thera came and landed in Mihintale, the starting point of Sri Lankan Buddhist history, is damaged and needs immediate repair.
The Daily News was able to observe this damaged handrail when a team from Lake House went to the Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya on official business, last Friday.
It was noticed that some of the damaged handrails had decayed and broken, and that some of the iron bars that connect the handrail to the ground had come off. This writer's right hand was injured by a decayed part of the handrail.
When this matter was inquired from Mihintala Rajamaha Viharaya Chief Incumbent Ven.Dr. Walawahengunawewe Dhammarathana Thera, he said that all the handrails in this temple have not been renovated in about three years. A large number of devotees are expected to pay homage at Mihintale on the coming Poson Poya day and these handrails pose a danger to those climbing up. The relevant responsible officials are requested to pay special attention in this regard.