Wessagiriya originally part of Isurumuniya - Archaeologists

By B.G. Chathuranga  

Archaeologists claim that Wessagiriya in Anuradhapura had originally been a part of Isurumuniya which is in close proximity.   

Director General of Archaeology Prof. Thusitha Mendis said archaeological evidence showed that Wessagiriya and Isurumuniya had been located on one site.  

During a visit to the Wessagiriya archaeological site with Minister of Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayaka to inaugurate the proposed Wessagiriya excavation project, he said Wessagiriya had been the abode of five hundred monks and that the excavations carried out in 2006 under the Jethawana project revealed evidence of medieval stone age human habitats that runs as far back as the 3,900 years BC.   

“The caves with drip ledges belonging to third century B.C. inscriptions bear evidence that Wessagiriya had been a part of Isurumuniya in the past. Archaeological remains of Ranmasu Uyana and Ruwandora are among such evidence. The archaeological site would be developed with an information centre and as a tourist attraction. The Anuradhapura sacred city should be further developed. Any construction work would not be allowed in the sacred area. Evidence of pre-historic human habitats have been found underground at a depth of 40ft during excavations in the sacred city ” he further said.