Upon a request made by Chief Adhikarana Sanga Nayake of Hiriyala Hathpaththuwa Rev. Ganegoda Rathanajothi Thera, National Heritage, Performing Arts and Rural Arts Promotion State Minister Vidura Wickramanayaka visited the historic Mandalarama Raja Maha Viharaya in the Saligama Grama Niladhari Division in the Polpithigama Divisional Secretariat division last week.
The State Minister directed the Director General of Archaeology to take immediate action to preserve the artefacts at the temple premises that are perishing at present.
There are many artefacts of historic importance at this premises including an ancient Dagoba, a Shrine room, caves, cave inscriptions and a rare Foot Print of Buddha. He said that the main objective of his Ministry is to identify and preserve national heritages towards the prosperity of our nation and thereby promoting such heritages.
Rev. Ganegoda Rathanajothi Thera pointed out to the State Minister that there had been no renovations or maintenance done by the Department of Archaeology for a long time. A large portion of the frescoes have been destroyed and now the plaster is falling off. The ancient Dagoba in the premises also lies in ruins,” the Ven. Thera added.
Director General of Archaeology Senior Professor Anura Manathunge, Wayamba Provincial Assistant Director of Archaeology L.M. Gunathilaka Banda, Polpithigama Divisional Secretary Shantha Dasanayake and Kurunegala District Parliamentarian Asanka Navarathne were also present on this occasion.
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