Sri Lanka, Jan. 2 -- The Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya has decided to auction around 70 percent of the gold items currently stored in the Devalaya's safes and donate the proceeds to the 'Rebuilding Sri Lanka' Fund.

The decision excludes gold items bearing images of deities, according to officials. The auction is expected to be conducted under the supervision of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) to ensure transparency and proper valuation.

The Basnayake Nilame also said that gold donated by devotees in recent years will be handed over to the government through a transparent process.

Clarifying reports circulating on social media, Basnayake Nilame Thilina Madusanka said that advice had been sought ...