Lightning damage to Mihintale Stupa:

Thera appeals for speedy restoration

Nimal Wijesinghe Anuradhapura Additional District Group Corr

The damage caused to historic Mihintale Maha Seya resulting from the thunder bolt attack on April 23 night is being scrutinized before commencing urgent repairs.

Deputy Chief Incumbent Nayaka Thera Ven. Walawahengunawewe Dhammarakkitha of Mihintale Raja Maha Viharaya, said the cetiya’s crest gem, terrace and the pinnacle are believed to have been severely damaged and the surrounding areas heavily burnt and discoloured.

He said there was no lightning conductor fixed on top of the stupa at the time of the thunder attack.

The prelate appealed to the nation and the Government authorities to intervene in the complete restoration of the damaged Maha Seya including the fixing of the lightning conductor system and gold plating of the Cetiya as decided earlier along with other renovations and rehabilitations to the world renowned heritage of Mihintale shrine complex.

Anuradhapura Divisional Secretary H.M.K. Herath accompanied by the provincial archaeological authorities and Government officials including Mihintale Divisional Secretary inspected the Cetiya site on April 25 and issued on the spot instructions regarding the repairs and restoration.

“I am going to place the matter at the special Poson celebrations steering committee meeting being held on April 27 at the Anuradhapura Kachcheri for outlining an accelerated Cetiya restoration plan.

A full report is being submitted to the Cultural Affairs Ministry and the Archaeological Department with regard to the thunder bolt attack on Mihintale Maha Seya,” the Divisional Secretary emphasised.

He told the Daily News that he has not been informed by any party that there was no lightning conductor attached to the Cetiya prior to the recent disaster.