Archaeology management plan for Naigala Viharaya
Priyanka KURUGALA
The Archaeology Department has prepared an archaeology management
plan for the Naigala Viharaya in the Hambantota district, a National
Heritage Ministry spokesman said.
National Heritage Minister Jagath Balasooriya and other
officials commence conservation programmes at the Naigala
Rajamaha Vihara premises. |
The plan was made under the direction of President Mahinda Rajapaksa,
he said. The plan aims to establish methodologies to preserve, conserve
and maintain ruins of Naigala Viharaya.
Excavations in Naigala site was initiated under the patronage of
National Heritage Minister Dr Jagath Balasooriya, the spokesman said. It
is expected to develop Naigala Rajamaha Viharaya as an attractive place
for tourists, he said.
Naigala Rajamaha Viharaya is situated about one and half kilometers
away from Ranna junction in the Hambantota district.
Ruins provide evidence of about a large number of Buddhist monks who
lived in the viharaya. A number of archeological monuments were also
found during excavation by the Archaeological Department in 2009.
The temple was identified as a Kala Pabbatha Vihara by examining
inscriptions in the premises. Sthupas, monasteries, walls, Boodhigaras
and ponds also can be seen among other ruins at the monastery complex.
National Heritage Minister Dr Jagath Balasooriya, Southern Province
Governor Kumari Balasooriya, National Heritage Ministry Secretary Dr
Nanda Wickramasinghe, Southern province Chief Secretary R M D B
Meegasmulla and senior officials visited Naigala Rajamaha Viharaya
recently. They looked into excavations planned to be carried out at
selected archeological sites.
Members of the temple's Dayaka Saba headed by Chief Incumbent
Muruthuwala Nayaka Thero briefed the visitors on the work planned to be
carried out. |