Sri Lanka, Aug. 29 -- The renovation work of the historic Anula Seya in Mihintale Diggala has stalled, and it is inappropriate to hand it over to an individual or appoint a temple incumbent, Venerable Bellanwila Dhammarathana Thera said yesterday.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Ratmalana Paramadhammachetiya Pirivena Maha Viharaya, he said that the site should be developed into a center uniting Buddhists worldwide. "Handing it over to an individual will not achieve that goal. The Anula Seya can be transformed into the most influential center of the global bhikkhu community, but it must first be renovated. By appointing a temple incumbent, an unnecessary problem has been created," he said.

General Secretary of the World Buddhist...