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.

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.