The Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect yesterday (19) said that it is the responsibility of the Government to take measures to protect all Buddhist archaeological sites in the Northern and Eastern (N-E) provinces following an impartial investigation into the recent controversy associated with the Kurundi Rajamaha Viharaya in Mullaitivu and the Girihandu Seya in Thiriyai, Trincomalee.
Speaking to The Daily Morning on 18 June in the wake of Tamil Parliamentarians demanding the release of lands acquired by the Archaeology Department, Supreme Sangha Council – Asgiri Maha Viharaya Secretary Ven. Dr. Medagama Dhammananda Thera said that the Government should not allow these historical sites to be destroyed or acquired by any party with extremists. “It is the responsibility of the Government to protect these archaeological sites. In my personal opinion, there is no need to appoint new committees. Not only the Kurundi Viharaya but they should also conserve all the other archaeological sites in those particular areas. If they have no money to do that, they must get the help of individuals or organisations who are willing to do so,” he added.
He further said that the Government should be careful when making decisions regarding such places which have been considered archaeological sites for decades as it is necessary to protect these heritages for generations to come while also preventing the possibility of evoking racist connotations.
Meanwhile, Opposition MP Udaya Gammanpila told the media last week that he intends to write a letter to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation, urging it to protect the country’s archaeological sites. He also told the media that he would propose to the Speaker of the Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana to appoint a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate these incidents.
Former MP Ven. Dr. Ellawala Medhananda Thera, who is considered an archaeologist, has refuted all claims that the Kurundi Viharaya is a “kovil” (Hindu temple), asserting that the historical site is, in fact, a temple. Speaking at a press conference held in this regard, he alleged that despite recent claims that there was once a “kovil” at the site at which the Kurundi Viharaya is located, there is no truth to them.
When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (19), sources in the Presidential Secretariat said that the President had directed Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake to compose a letter in response to Medhananda Thera clarifying the issue. In his letter, Ekanayake emphasised that the Kurundi Viharaya holds significant archaeological value for Sri Lankans and assured that no decision had been made to transfer Government lands associated with the temple to any other party. As a resolution to land-related issues in the Northern and Eastern regions, it was suggested that lands categorised as forests and wildlife zones prior to 1985 should continue to be protected.