Land owned by Kurundi and Thiriyaya Viharaya Committee to find historical evidence

By Yohan Perera  

President Ranil Wickremesinghe is to appoint a committee to  determine whether Kurundi Viharaya of Mullaitivu and Thiriyaya Viharaya of  Trincomalee historically owned 2,000 and 3,000 acres respectively,  sources close to President’s office said.

President intends to find out as to how the two Viharas  could own land more than Mahavihara which has been historically  considered as the foremost Centre of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.  
President is of the opinion that it is essential to find  out as to why the two Viharas need lands which come under the Department  of Forestry, Department of Lands etc.  
It is reported that the task force on Archaeological affairs  appointed by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has recommended the release  of lands to Kurundi Viharaya and Thiriyaya Viharaya.  

The committee which is to be appointed will be given the  task of finding historical evidence with regard to land owned by Kurundi  and Thiriyaya Viharaya.  The President is expected to appoint the Committee before leaving for Europe on June 17.