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The proud Sir Lankan Cultural Heritage is intimately linked to Wewa and Dagaba (Stupa), symbolising this twin heritage we have in Sri Lanka - glorious series of Stupas and Reservoirs. Nestling on the banks of Mahaweli Ganga (the River of Great Sands) is the historical Somawathie Chetiya in Polonnaruwa where the Buddha's Right Tooth Relic is enshrined.

Ancient chronicles of Sri Lanka state that the very first Arahant of this country Ven. Aritta, visited the abode of Gods and brought back to Sri Lanka the Sacred Right Tooth of the Enlightened One. This Holy Relic was handed over, in turn, to Vice King Giri Abha and his consort Queen Somawathie who was King Kawantissa's sister. Queen Somawathie had a yearning to construct a Stupa in adoration of the Buddha.

The Vice King himself agreed to this idea with undiminished enthusiasm. Giri Abha explored a possible site to construct this Stupa.

In the course of his survey, he came upon an area, where Bhikkhus led by Arahant Mahinda resided. When the Vice King suggested his idea to Arahant Mahinda, he silently gave his consent to the Stupa building project.

This location was known as Somapura. There were companion Stupa's namely Kumbanacchaduwa (Identified as the place where Kadol Elephant died) Gal Amuna, Sangabodhigama and Vihara Surangala.

The drift to the South West of the ancient Kingdoms from Polonnaruwa to Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala, Gampola, and Kotte signalled the deterioration of Rajarata.

After the advent of the portuguese the Dutch and the Britishers, the Plantation Economy over-shadowed the Agrarian Economy. By this turn of events, our irrigation systems deteriorated and the cultural values changed.

A new illustrious chapter of the Somawathie Chetiya has recently dawned in the aftermath of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's peace initiative. As a result of the innovative and energetic activities that came in the wake of this current era of tranquillity, fresh enthusiasm has been generated.

In this context, it has been possible for my Ministry to take the initiative to rehabilitate this sacred region utilizing the facilities of my Ministry. Prior to this, for long while the Somawathie Chetiya was inaccessible to pilgrims due to the jungle that had over-run the region. There were no roads whatsoever for the worshippers to reach the shrine. My Ministry exerted all the necessary effects to make the shrine once more accessible to devotees from all parts of the island.

At this historical moment I consider it my duty to honour those pioneers who contributed vastly towards the establishment of fertile settlement in this region. At the beginning, Honourable D. S. Senanayake, "Father of the Nation" restored the ancient prosperity to this location, by crating cultivation colonies.

Following his noble steps, Late Gamini Dissanayake former Minister of Mahaweli pursued his goal of making this land flourish into an area of prosperity. His pioneering effort was greatly facilitated by a whole series of leaders who came before him.

In 1966 late Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake laid the foundation for the restoration of Somawathie Chetiya. On June 4, 1981, Late President J. R. Jayawardene unveiled the pinnacle of Somawathie Chiya. Late President R. Premadasa also took a great interest in the restoration work of this Chetiya. The official exposition of the pinnacle of the sacred Somawathie Chetiya will take place on June 24, 2002. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will unveil the pinnacle.

From 1983 to 2002 this area became forbidden land to the pilgrims. Way back in 1980s, the Chuda Manikya (Crest Gem) of the historic Somawathie Chetiya was removed by the treasure hunters. But, they could not take it away and it was later found by the Archaeological Department in these very premises.

For nearly two decades, the Chuda Manikya was in the custody of Archaeological Department. I must record with due deference and gratitude the substantial contributions made by Somawathie Viharadhipathi Ven. Pahamune Sri Sumangala Thera and Lindakumbure Sobhita Thera who took the initiative and made all arrangements for the pinnacle laying ceremony. I must thank the committee chaired by Minister of Power and Energy Karu Jayasuriya who made all arrangements for this pinnacle unveiling ceremony. My grateful thanks goes, especially, to Hon. W. J. M. Lokubandara. Minister of Irrigation H. G. P. Nelson and Minister Lakshman Seneviratne were a tower of strength in this exercise.

I may fail in my duty if I do not thank the Hon. Members of Polonnaruwa District, Earl Gunasekera - Minister of Home Affairs, Local Government and Provincial Council, Hon. Sydney Jayaratne, MP Polonnaruwa, Hon. Sagala Ratnayake, Deputy Minister of Power and Energy, Hon. P. Harrison Minister of Housing Development, Hon. Tissa Attanayake Minister of Central Province Development and GA and Senior SP of Polonnaruwa for all hard work that they had done to make this event a success. May I take this opportunity to thank Mahaweli System B farmers and all Officers who burnt their midnight oil to make this event success.

I take this opportunity to thank all members of the Defence Services. I extend my grateful thanks to all personnel in the print and electronic media and special mention must be made of "Swaranavahini" for their unstinted support by giving live coverage.

I personally feel the unveiling of the pinnacle of Somawathie Shrine on Poson Full Moon Day, which signifies the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka is symbolizing the peace process of Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe.

May all beings be happy.
- Gamini Jayawickrema Perera

Minister of Irrigation and Water Management. Secretary, Somawathei Chetiya Restoration Committee.

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