The construction of the Rangiri-Dambulla T.B. Tennakoon Open Art Gallery has been at a standstill for nearly 14 years.
The gallery was to be used to provide opportunities to artists living in and around Dambulla. Its foundation stone was laid by former minister D.M. Jayaratne in 2005. The partly-built buildings, including the auditorium, lay idle at present.
Residents of the area said that the large sum of money spent on the gallery has gone to waste as the construction work was not progressing. Highlighting that the structure was in a deplorable state, they added that it would become completely dilapidated if it were to be left untouched for any longer.
Residents said that if the gallery was set up, then it would help reduce the unemployment rate in and around Dambulla. They, and artists in the area, urged the authorities to take action to complete the construction of the art gallery soon.
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