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Historic
inscriptions facing decay The villagers here lament the indifference on the part of those concerned with preserving such historical artefacts. According to chronicles the king rested here en route to Sri Pada with his retinue while on pilgrimage. The two inscriptions refer to the king’s victory over the Tamils and his alms giving activities subsequent to the pilgrimage. The village of Sellipigama (sellipi meaning epigraphs in Sinhala) is said to have got its name from these two inscriptions which are located by the side of the Kandy-Hatton road in the area known as Kitulkotekanda. The area is now covered with thick forest due to neglect though the archaeological authorities have lately cleared the area and enclosed it with a fence and gate. However, with the inscriptions exposed to the elements, some of the lettering is being gradually effaced. There is an open crack on one stone inscription which villagers say may be caused by the spreading roots of a breadfruit tree nearby. Residents say it is the duty of the authorities concerned to ensure their preservation for posterity. |
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