Anula Seya should not be placed under individual or temple incumbent control: Bellanwila Thera

The renovation work of the historic Anula Seya in Mihintale Diggala has stalled, and it is inappropriate to hand it over to an individual or appoint a temple incumbent, Venerable Bellanwila Dhammarathana Thera said yesterday.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Ratmalana Paramadhammachetiya Pirivena Maha Viharaya, he said that the site should be developed into a center uniting Buddhists worldwide. “Handing it over to an individual will not achieve that goal. The Anula Seya can be transformed into the most influential center of the global bhikkhu community, but it must first be renovated. By appointing a temple incumbent, an unnecessary problem has been created,” he said.

General Secretary of the World Buddhist Sangha Federation, Venerable Maitipe Wimalasara Thero, also noted that international attention has been drawn to the site. He said the renovation should proceed under the Department of Archaeology with the patronage of Bodagama Chandima Thero, adding that no external interference should disrupt the process. He emphasized that conservation efforts carried out by the Department of Archaeology and Nagananda University were formal and legal, dismissing allegations based on “absurd facts.”

Former Director General of Archaeology, Professor P.B. Mandawala, addressing the media, also rejected the claims made by the Mihintale Thero. He pointed out that land belonging to the Department of Archaeology cannot be transferred or sold, and artifacts remain under state ownership. “Anyone can view the antiquities unearthed at Anula Seya in 2022 at the Anuradhapura Antiquities Conservation Site. The Anula Seya site belongs to the Department of Archaeology. How can a temple incumbent be appointed to such a place?” he questioned.

Mandawala further explained that historically, sites like Anula Seya, built by King Kanishtatissa, were meant to keep monastic responsibilities separate, and appointing a monk there has created unnecessary complications.