SriLanka, Jan. 3 -- The Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya has decided to auction around 70% of the gold reserves held in the temple's secure vaults, Basnayake Nilame Thilina Madushanka said.
The proceeds from the auction will be donated to the "Rebuilding Sri Lanka" fund. However, gold items featuring images of the deity will be excluded from the sale.
The auction is scheduled to take place under the supervision of the Gem and Jewellery Authority. Madushanka noted that he is acting to provide recently donated gold to the Government in a transparent manner.
"I have sought advice from the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs," he stated. "False news has been circulating that we are attempting to touch gold that is 2,000 years old. We are...