• Expert committee to assess impact on sacred tree and heritage site

The Department of Archaeology has confirmed that it did not grant approval for the installation of terracotta flooring at the Upper and Lower Terraces of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura.

When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (31), Director General of Archaeology Department, Senarath Wickramasinghe said that the Department planned to conduct an assessment with the assistance of experts, including specialists from the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, to determine whether the flooring poses any risk to the ancient sacred tree.

He said that a committee comprising relevant experts would be appointed to examine the issue and that the terracotta flooring would be removed immediately if any harmful impact is identified.

The controversy emerged after renovation work at the Sri Maha Bodhiya site included the laying of terracotta tiles. Concerns were first raised by an academic, who claimed in a social media post that such flooring could alter environmental conditions around the tree and potentially make it vulnerable.

The issue subsequently sparked discussion on social media, with several parties questioning both the possible environmental consequences and the appropriateness of carrying out such modifications at a World Heritage site.

The Sri Maha Bodhiya is regarded as one of the oldest historically documented trees in the world and holds immense religious, cultural and archaeological significance.