The Aukana Buddha is at the centre of the community, with almost every family touched by it ... and by the care and compassion of the temple in helping the children and those in need.

Money generated by the site helps to pay for extra schooling for as many as 800 children as well as providing books, pens, bags, material for uniforms, and even food for the children during their breaks.

These efforts are led by the high priest of Aukana, the Venerable Dhammakiththi Thero, with the enthusiastic backing of local teachers and other volunteers.

They organise extra schooling after the state schools close for the day at 2pm and they run a Sunday school in which Buddhism is taught.

Now they want to build a new school (see photograph right), a three storey structure with 14 classrooms, and are trying to raise the five million rupees (UK£28,000) it will cost.

That school, if they can get it built, will help
all the children of the area as well as providing adult classes.

If you visit the Alkana Buddha, you can see plans for the school with its temple-style architecture.

It has been designed by a Sri Lankan architect in cooperation with the principal and teachers at the present school - and the very active support of Dhammakiththi Thero.

Raising the money - an amazingly small amount compared with the huge costs of building in many parts of the world - is not easy and they welcome any offers of help.

But, most of all, they welcome visitors to their community ... enjoy the Alkana Buddha, talk to the monks and teachers, help if you can - if only with you interest and encouragement.

The lessons
The extra schooling takes place between
3.30 and 5.30 on weekdays and lessons include science, English and mathematics. They were started in 2002 and have
grown in scope and the number of pupils attending, despite the limited funds available.

''This is a great opportunity for all pupils in this area,'' said one of the volunteer teachers. ''It is not just that they can improve their education. In many cases their parents are not educated and they are confined to their
homes - they find themselves in a situation that is not good.

''There are talented and experienced teachers here and the children can experience new methods of teaching. In towns, there would be a charge for this and many would not be able to afford it.

''Staff feel they are lucky to be able to teach in front of the Buddha statue. We get the thoughts of Lord Buddha and the thoughts are very pure.''

In the Sunday school, as well as underpinning all other lessons, is a core of Buddhist ethics - and pupils can be seen living to those ethics.

They are taught to use good words and deeds in everyday life, how to keep their bodies clean and healthy, to have respect for all persons and religions, and to show proper hospitality.