News

Rock quarrying in an area with inscriptions which have archaeological value appears to be going on unabated in a land belonging to the Diggala Poya Malu Rajamaha Vihara in Rasnayakapura in the Kurunegala District.

The illicit quarrying appears to have the support of the Grama Niladhari of the area who is reportedly wielding political clout.

The vihara is associated with the Kandyan Kingdom of King Walagamba and was a place sacred to Buddhists. The grounds of the vihara extended to over 100 acres in the good old days but with human habitation encroaching the area has shrunk to around half that extent.

The sacred area was once under the supervision of eminent Buddhist prelates like Ven. Korelagama Sobitha Thera and Ven. Moragolle Dhammaloka Thera but since their demise in the 1950s the place has ceased to retain its history and sacredness.

Nelungala as it is now known, however regained its glory in 2004 but by that time, it had lost its pristine value having become the plaything of vandals. The entire area is now in ruins and the current quarrying spree will destroy what little past glory it can boast of.

The worst offender today is reported to be a Nikaweratiya Pradeshiya Sabha ex-member closely connected to top politicians in the area.

On relinquishing his membership in the PS he was appointed as a Grama Niladhari. His accomplice is said to be an ex-secretary of the Pradeshiya Sabha. The destruction of valuable and historical inscriptions has at last been brought to the notice of the Archaeological Department by area residents and the present incumbent of the vihara, resulting in quarrying being prohibited within 400 metres of the sacred area.

However, quarrying has begun in three areas in the prohibited zone, reportedly by the same earlier offenders.

Meanwhile it is reported that the current incumbent monk, Ven. G. Uparathana Thera is receiving death threats against his protest campaign. He told The Sunday Times though the illicit quarrying was suspended after representations were being made, it has restarted.

It is reported that the vandals had even requested the Thera’s parents to request him from opposing their work.

The Registrar of the Sasanarakshaka Bala Mandalaya Ven. Kamarakkulame Pagnarathana Thero said the culprits wield political power. Rasnayakapura PS secretary K. Amarasinghe, told The Sunday Times he had received complaints about quarrying in several areas including this place and that he had brought it to the notice of the relevant authorities verbally. He has been told that action to arrest the situation is being taken by the authorities concerned.

However, he had added that when the vandals do not fear the police there was little that can be done.

He said that in any case action has to be taken by the relevant officials to arrest the ongoing illegal quarrying.