Committee to probe demolition of ancient building in K’negala

 The Committee was appointed by the Buddhasasana, Cultural and Religious  Affairs Ministry Secretary on a directive of subject minister Mahinda  Rajapaksa

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

A committee comprising experts has been appointed to investigate allegations of a archaeological building in Kurunegala being bulldozed on July 14, the Government Information Department said yesterday.  

It said the Committee was appointed by the Buddhasasana, Cultural and Religious Affairs Ministry Secretary on a directive of subject minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.   

The committee comprises Director General of Archaeology, Prof. Senarath Dissanayake, Kurunegala District Secretary R.M.R. Ratnayake, archaeologist T.G Kulatunga, Director General of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Cultural and Religious Affairs archaeologist Prasad Ranasinghe and Central Cultural Fund Director (Development) architect Sumedha Mathota.  

The committee has been instructed to submit its report before July 23. 

 
The history of the building goes back to the thirteenth century of the Kurunegala Kingdom and was believed to be the King’s Assembly Hall at that time and is considered an archaeological reserve under the Antiquities Ordinance No.09 of 1940. 

Blurb --