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Massive project to restore Deegawapiya Stupa to be launched soon
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The Deegawapi stupa in Ampara was built by King Saddhatissa during the third century BCE . Pix by Amila Gamage
The Government is to launch a massive project soon to restore the Deegawapiya Stupa in Ampara and crown it as the fifth tallest stupa in the country.
Public assistance is being sought to raise Rupees one billion for the project, said General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne, Defence Secretary and Chairperson of the Presidential Task Force for Archaeological Heritage Management of the Eastern Province.
He said about 23 million bricks are needed for the project that will take about three years to complete.
“The biggest challenge is the supply of bricks. About 28,000 bricks have to be laid daily if the restoration work is to be completed in three years. We have enough manpower from the Triforces and Civil Defence Force,” he said.
The project will be handled by the Department of Archaeology and under the guidance of the Deegawapiya Chief Incumbent Ven. Mahaoya Sobitha Thera.
Additional Director General at the Department of Archaeology Prasanna Rathnayake said this will be the biggest archaeological conservation project since the Mirisawetiya Stupa conservation project in 1992.
“This will become the main Buddhist religious site in the Eastern Province. Prof. Munidasa Ranaweera, a specialist in restoring ancient stupas and Eng. Gemunu Silva will head the restoration project,” he added.
Four golden caskets that were discovered during excavation work carried out in November at the site of the Deegawapiya stupa, will be placed in a special chamber close to the stupa.
The Deegawapi stupa built by King Saddhatissa during the third century BCE was declared an archaeological protected monument in 1947, by the Department of Archaeology.
Those who wish to extend financial support to the project can deposit to: Deegawapiya Aruna (account number 86860000) Bank of Ceylon, Taprobane branch, Colombo.