Arrangements underway to install massive Buddha statue at the Neeraviyadi Pillaiyar Temple

For a long time a Pillaiyar Temple was in existence on the slopes of Neeraviyady in Chemmalai area of the Mulaitheevu District. Now, action is being taken to erect a massive Buddha statue in this temple complex. The old name board in Tamil has been destructed and a new Sinhala name board has been erected in its place.

The people of the area said they were worshiping at a Pillaiyar Temple ,which is existing from time immemorial when their ancestors inhabited the said area until they were displaced by war. Subjected to several displacements and distresses they returned to their native soil to see a large Army Camp has been established in close proximity to the Temple Complex and people were afraid to go into the Temple complex.

In this context, during the Rajapakse rule , one Colombo Methalankara thero from Marudana occupied the Neeraviyadi Pillaiyar Temple premises with the help of the Army stationed nearby, erected a small tent and was staying there

With the help of the Archaeological Department  declared the name of the place as Cheddimalai  and constructing vihares there. He continued the development of the area as a Buddhist centre surpassing all protests of area people. After regime change his activities were curtailed, but Mahinda Rajapakse had been appointed as PM, he had erected a massive Buddhist statue there and undertaking development  works. Action is being taken to declare the statue open.

In an attempt to destroy the identification marks of the Temple the old sign board in Tamil has been destroyed and a new Sinhala sign board has been erected.

Although the area people say that this kind of act will create racial tension, the work there is continuing regardless.