China is spending RMB46 million (US$6.8 million) on the preservation of the Sera Monastery in Lhasa, capital of southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. Losang Jigme, Tibet’s top official in charge of religious affairs, said the monastery, which was built in1419 in northern Lhasa, needs repairs. The work will keep the monastery’s original style and should be finished by the end of next year, he said at a ceremony to mark the start of repairs. "The preservation of the Sera Monastery, a cultural and spiritual treasure from our forefathers, will protect and promote cultural and religious heritage," said Padma Choling, chairman of the regional government. China.org.cn reports the Chinese government has spent more than RMB1.3 billion since the 1980s on the preservation of more than 1,400 monasteries in Tibet, including three major monasteries – the Potala Palace, Norbu Lingka Palace and the Sagya Monastery.