By Saman Vijeyabandara - Hemmathagama   

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. 

• An  organised group of extremists had caused extensive damage to the  moonstone and other archaeological remains