Dear friends of Aloko,
We have happy news to share. Phase two of the monk’s quarters building is now complete. This includes the structural layout and brickwork (walls and railings) of the second (and final) floor of the monk’s quarter building of Aloko Buddhist Center. With heartfelt gratitude and sharing merits with our dear friends, we are writing this article.
On July 16th, 2024, we resumed the construction work. This was after four years of waiting caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, the plan was to simply put up the roofing concrete slab with supporting columns. However, due to the deteriorating condition of the columns caused by prolonged exposure to rainwater, the engineer advised us to lay bricks simultaneously. This added more than 1 million rupees to the final bill, making it over 5 million rupees in total.
Project Summary
Totals | In Sri Lankan Rupees | In USD$(*1 LKR = 300 USD) |
| Total Bill: | 5.7 million (5,703,636 LKR) | $19,012 |
| Funds Raised | 3.2 million (3251900 LKR) | $10,839 |
| Soft Loan from Mr. Ming | 2.2 million (2,220,000 LKR) | $7,400 |
| Total Funds | 5.4 million (5,471,700 LKR) | $18,239 |
| Outstanding Amount | 231,900 LKR | $773 |
| Soft Loan to be paid back | 2.2 million LKR | $7,400 |
"Support us in going debt-free."
Soft Loan from Mr. Ming (Brahmachariya)
Unlike the rest of the building, the slab roof had to be completed at once. Therefore, we had to ensure we had enough funds on hand before asking the contractor to start working. We had no choice but to take a soft loan. Mr. Ming (Brahmachariya) had already confirmed he would grant the loan if necessary. We are incredibly grateful for his kind support. Without it, our endeavor would have failed.
Fundraising Efforts
On July 7, 2024, we shared a post titled “It’s Time to Resume Construction at Aloko.” This was our first attempt at fundraising. The response was slow, but every single donation gave us the courage to move forward. Mrs. Lim and Brother Donny, two of our Golden Pillar members, always came forward with kind hearts and supported us greatly.
However, progress was still slow. At this juncture, with their deep understanding of the situation and boundless metta, a number of dear venerable friends came forward to help and donated to the project. As time passed, we were nearing the deadline for the roofing slab and desperately needed funds to continue. It was a critical moment where we almost came to a halt. The “Aloko Vihara Project – Update 01” video was published, and we personally sent fund requests to our close friends once more.
We were deeply touched by the kind gesture of Mrs. Lim and Brother Donny, who took on the burden of collecting the remaining amount we needed to complete the project successfully. Mdm. Mai Ton Nu, one of the two Diamond Pillar members of Aloko, also played a significant role in this success.
We would also like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to this project. Your donations, no matter how big or small, have made a significant impact.
Special thanks to:
- Mrs. Lim, Donny Loo, and Friends
- Madam Mai Ton Nu
- Mr. Indika
- Mr. Ashoka Nirmal
- Rev. Amugoda Seelalankara
- Rev. Kokmaduwa Anuruddha
- Rev. Pothupitiye Hemasiri
- Rev. Rotumba Indarathana
- Rev Dapane Sirisumana
- Rev. Pilimathalawe Anupama
- Rev. Jandure Pagngnananda
- Rev. Morathota Ananda
- Rev. Kande Puhulpola Mangala
- Mr. Jestin Mendis
- Hui Hai Charity Organisation Malaysia
- Mr. Namal Wijesundara
- Siri Jayanthi Association -Malaysia
What has been done
We are extremely happy and feel blessed to announce the progress as of now:
- Roofing concrete slab (1946 Sq. ft.)
- 16 columns & beams
- Complete bricks layout (Inner walls and outer walls)
- Railing wall for safety in mind
Next Steps:
Construction work has currently halted. When we are able to repay the soft loan and have sufficient funds, we expect to resume construction. This will depend on your kindness. Unlike the roofing slab, the rest of the project can be built phase by phase. The work will be divided into the following phases:
| Phase | Apx Estimate In LKR | In USD$ (*1 LKR = 300 USD) |
| Electrical Wiring & fittings | 0.7 million LKR | 2,333 |
| Plastering (walls/bed) | 1.5 million LKR | 5,000 |
| Fixing Doors and Windows | 1.5 million LKR | 5,000 |
| Tiling & washroom fittings | 1.5 million LKR | 5,000 |
| Plumbing | 0.4 million LKR | 1,333 |
| Rooftop waterproofing and cut and polish | 0.9 million LKR | 3,000 |
| Primary Painting | 0.9 million LKR | 3,000 |
Total = 24,666 |
Anumodana!
In conclusion, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Ming for opening the door to the success we have achieved with this project so far. All the other friends, including the Venerable friends of Aloko who contributed to the project, your good names will be forever remembered. You will always be equally blessed in every noble endeavor conducted here at Aloko Buddhist Center.
With Metta,
Bhante Ginnaliye Dhammaloka
& Team Aloko