Havelock City Chairman donates temple complex to Sama Vihara
The reconstructed Sama Vihara Complex fronting Havelock City Project was declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa recently. The temple was a gift from Havelock City’s Chairman S P Tao.
Havelock City, which offers luxury condominium living is the largest mixed development in Sri Lanka being built on an 18-acre land parcel at a total cost of USD 450 Million. When the project was conceptualized, Mr. Tao ensured that sufficient land was allocated and he personally funded the construction of the temple complex surrounding the iconic Buddha Statue of the former Spinning and Weaving Mills. The Vihara is now replete with a Stupa, a sacred Bo tree, and monastic section for residing monks.
“I am greatly honored to be a part of this historic event where I was privileged to bestow to the people of Sri Lanka the reconstructed Sama Vihara temple. My direct involvement in this project has deep significance as it takes me way back to my roots connecting with my ancestors in China who were Buddhist devotees” commented Tao at the opening ceremony.
The beautifully designed temple is an architectural masterpiece, a challenge well taken by the Chief Architect of Havelock City, Dr. Senaka Dharmatilleke. “The goal was to create an “Urban Temple” keeping in line with the bustling Havelock Road and the modern architecture of Havelock City” stated Dr. Dharamatilleke. The temple was designed to co-exist with the planned commercial complex of Havelock City which would entail Sri Lanka’s largest and most modern Shopping Mall.
Tao who is 97-years of age and resides in Singapore, flew down to Sri Lanka to witness the opening ceremony of the new temple complex. A philanthropist by nature, Tao’s bond with Sri Lanka spans over 70 years. “The Sama Vihara, in a sense, is way of me saying thank you to all Sri Lankans who have been close to me and a way of me giving back to a country which has been an integral part of my life. At 97 years, my hope and wish is that this temple will bring more people together spreading peace and harmony amongst all as the country embarks on a new journey towards prosperity,” Tao warmly remarks.
Founder and Chairman of Shing Kwan Group in Singapore, Tao has extensive worldwide experience in commodi- ties, shipping, and real estate. Acquiring Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC in 1992, Mr. Tao has since revolutionized the real estate market in Sri Lanka.
Under his guidance, Overseas Realty has undertaken monumental investments such as the World Trade Center, Colombo (WTC) and the Havelock City Project.