Nidangala archaeological site cleared for housing purposes

Ancient inscriptions, ponds, other archaeological remains destroyed 

By Dayaratne Embogama   

Nidangala archaeological site in Nachchaduwa has been left to the mercy of an organised group of individuals clearing it for housing purposes much to the anxiety of the public. Residents of the area said a vast area of the archaeological site had already been cleared and houses built.   

They pointed out that a host of ancient inscriptions, ponds and other archaeological remains had been destroyed by the individuals concerned and that the clearing of the archaeological site with bulldozers was going on unchecked. They accused the relevant authorities of turning a deaf ear to the continual representations in this regard.   

According to historians, Nidangala archaeological site in Nachchaduwa dates back to the third century AD and a place of religious importance built by King Mahasen who built the Nachchaduwa tank as well.   

However, North Central Province Asst.Director of Archaeology Palitha Weerasinghe said he had received information in this regard and that he would take immediate action against the individuals concerned and to provide protection to the archaeological site.   

They pointed out that a host of ancient inscriptions, ponds and other archaeological remains had been destroyed by the individuals concerned and that the clearing of the archaeological site with bulldozers was going on unchecked