Quantcast

Video Story: NJ Buddhist Vihara Breaks Ground For New Temple

Dignitaries use ceremonial shovels to break ground for the new temple at the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center on Route 27.


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.

Groundbreaking Ceremonies for NJ Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center- interview with Chairman of the Fundraising Committee Wije Kottahachchi; With comments from Franklin Township Councilpersons Roz Sherman and Ted Chase

Posted by The Franklin Reporter & Advocate on Saturday, September 16, 2017

 

 

Your Thoughts

comments

Please Support Independent Journalism In Franklin Township!

No other media outlet covering Franklin Township brings you the depth of information presented by the Franklin Reporter & Advocate. Period. We are the only truly independent media serving the Eight Villages.

But we can only do that with your support. Please consider a yearly subscription to our online news site; at $37 a year, it’s one of the best investments you can make in our community.

To subscribe, please click here.

Other News From The Eight Villages …