Committee probing demolishing of 13th-century building hands over interim report
July 22, 2020 04:16 pm
The committee of experts appointed to investigate the demolishing of a building of archaeological value in Kurunegala, has handed over its interim report to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The Office of the Premier said the report was submitted this morning (22) at the Temple Trees.
In conclusion of their findings, the committee members have proposed the following:
1. Only a part of the roof and the windows on the frontside of the building have been damaged during the demolition, hence it is possible to preserve these damaged parts archaeologically. The building material including wooden beams and bricks at the rear of the building, which was completely damaged, are kept in reserve. Accordingly, this part of the building can also be preserved.
2. Brining the building under the purview of the Department of Archaeology.
3. Proposing the Road Development Authority (RDA) to revise the plan to expand this site.
4. Taking legal action against those demolished the building in question.
5. Obtaining the necessary provisions for preservation of this building from the institutions or persons responsible for the demolition.
The five-member committee was formed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Cultural and Religious Affairs, under the directives of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Chaired by Director-General of the Department of Archaeology Prof. Senarath Dissanayake, the committee consists of Kurunegala District Secretary R.M.R. Rathnayake, Archaeologist Prof. T.G. Kulatunga, Deputy Director of Archaeology at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Archaeologist Prasad Ranasinghe and Director (Development) of the Central Cultural Fund Architect Sumedha Matota.
The building, which is also known as the Buwaneka Hotel, dates back to the 13th century and is presumed to be the assembly hall used by the contemporary rulers.
This archaeological site had been preserved as per the provisions of the Antiquities Ordinance No. 9 of 1940.
