5 April 2021 12:04 am Views - 168
Laying of foundation stone for the Wahalkada entrance of the historic Devanagala Raja Maha Viharaya, which had been damaged by anti-Buddhist extremist organisations, was held by Sabaragamuwa Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa and Minister Kanaka Herath during the weekend.
Addressing the ceremony, the Governor said Devanagala the historic temple was just another ancient Buddhist shrine damaged by extremists. He pointed out that several inscriptions and a host of archaeological remains had been left to the mercy of the extremists.
The Governor expressed his gratitude to the media that drew the attention of the government on the urgent need to save Devanagala from extremists. He said the main Poson festival in the Sabaragamuwa Province would be held in the Devanagala sacred area. The Governor stressed further that the archaeological department’s regulations implemented by the British rulers should be amended to provide adequate protection to the historic temples and archaeological sites. Maha Sangha attending the ceremony pointed out that an organised group of extremists had caused extensive damage to the moonstone and other archaeological remains.
They said about a week ago an organised gang had caused damage to the name board of the site and one of them had however been arrested by the police. The suspect Anver Azik Mohamed Irshad was remanded till April 06 by Mawanella Magistrate.
Lekakadhikari of the Asgiriya Chapter Ven Medagama Medananda Thera and Ven. Medirigiriya Punnasara Thera were present at the occasion.