Charging a fee: Others do it, why not us?

By A.B. Gamage, Pitakotte

With reference to the letter by Shenali Waduge, published in The Sunday Times on October 1, I wish to point out that there is nothing wrong in charging an entrance fee from foreigners to enter the Dalada Maligawa.

According to my experience from India and Nepal, foreigners pay an entrance fee to enter the Buddhist sites in those countries also (for example: Srarasvati (Jetawanaramaya), Saranath (Isipathane), Vaishali (Visalamahanuwara), Nalanda, Veluwana, Sanchi, Ajantha, Ellora, Kanheri caves (cave temples situated 42 km north of Mumbai), Boudhnath Stupa (world famous Dagoba in Kathmandu - Nepal) and so on. The entrance fee to the Taj Mahal alone costs Indian rupees 750 (Sri Lankan Rs. 1785) for a foreigner whereas the Indian nationals pay a nominal fee. Foreigners also have to pay higher amounts than the Indians as entrance fees at other historical sites and museums also. According to the “Dambadiva Charika Hand Book” by Dharmasiri Gamage the total entrance fee is about Sri Lankan Rs. 10,000 to visit Buddhist sites in India (page 11 - 2002 Edition).

Under these circumstances I do not see any reason why an entrance fee should not be charged from foreigners to enter the historical places of worship in Sri Lanka also.

However, I wish to propose that a decision should be taken at an International Forum of Buddhist countries and SAARC countries to waive the entrance fees, so that all pilgrims of those countries could enjoy the benefits.