Deegavapi Stupa excavation recommences

Priyanka Kurugala

Excavation of the largest and ancient Dagaba in the Eastern province, the Deegavapi Stupa recommenced on the instructions of Archaeological Director General Dr Senarath Dissanayake yesterday, Archaeological Deputy Director Dr Nimal Perera said. The Civil Defence Force will provide manpower for the excavation programme of the Deegavapi ancient site, he said.

Under the guidance of the Archaeological Department Excavation Branch, the Civil Defence Force will continue this project, he said.

Excavation was temporarily stopped last December.

The project is launched with the support of Ampara Parliamentarian Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekera. Bank of Ceylon is funding this task, he said.

The authorities have drawn plans to launch the development project under three phases. Excavating the stupa, conserving the stupa and the compound (the Salapathalamaluwa ) and conserving artifacts of the area around Deegavapi are the three phases. The estimated cost for this task is Rs 200 million. The Civil Defence Force will participate in the conservation programme through a shramadana campaign.