The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Dignitaries from across New Jersey and several states were on hand Sept. 16 to help break ground for a new Buddhist temple on Route 27.
The ceremony was held at the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center, known for being the home of the largest Buddha statue in the Western hemisphere.
Local and regional politicians on hand for the event included state Sen. Bob Smith and state Assemblyman Joe Danielsen, both D-17; state Sen. Christopher “Kip” Bateman, R-16; state Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker (D-16); Somerset County Freeholder Brian Levine; Township Council members James Vassanella (D-Ward 5), Ted Chase, (D-Ward 1); Rozlyn Sherman (D-Ward 2) and Rajiv Prasad (D-At Large).
Also on hand was the Sri Lankan Ambassador and other dignitaries.
About one-quarter of the approximately $2 million construction cost has been raised, said Wije Kottahachchi, chairman of the fundraising committee. He said plans call for the temple to be constructed in the next two to three years.
Plans call for the razing of the small temple that now fronts Rt. 27, and the construction of the two-story temple behind the Buddha statue. The area where the current temple now sits will be converted into gardens and walkways.
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