National Namal Uyana declared a ‘National Heritage of Sri Lanka’

Colombo, March 26 (Daily Mirror) - The National Namal Uyana was officially declared a “National Heritage of Sri Lanka” for the first time at a ceremony held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat today (26), marking the 35th anniversary of the site’s establishment.

The declaration was made with the aim of identifying, conserving and bequeathing the country’s national heritage to future generations under the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. The commemorative plaque was unveiled by the President through virtual technology.

Spanning about 602 hectares within the Palagala Divisional Secretariat Division in the Anuradhapura District, the National Namal Uyana is considered a site of significant national, religious, environmental and geographical value. The site was declared a National Heritage at the request of its founder, Wanawasi Rahula Thera, with the intervention of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said safeguarding this unique environmental heritage and passing it on to future generations is a responsibility entrusted to all citizens. He also expressed appreciation for the dedication shown by Wanawasi Rahula Thera over the years in protecting and developing the Namal Uyana.

To mark the 35th anniversary, the first-day cover issued by the Department of Posts, together with the publication titled National Namal Uyana Shashthreeya Sangrahaya, was presented to the President by the Thera.

Delivering a special address, Rahula Thera described the declaration as one of the most remarkable environmental services rendered by the present Government. He also expressed appreciation to the President for holding the event at the Presidential Secretariat instead of the Namal Uyana premises as originally planned, considering the prevailing situation in the country.

The Thera recalled that he began work at the site on 28 March 1991 under difficult circumstances and continued despite criticism and challenges. He said he later received support from successive governments, including during the tenure of former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, which helped develop basic facilities in the area.

He thanked Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa, Deputy Minister Gamagedara Dissanayake, and officials for their efforts in facilitating the declaration, and also appreciated the support extended by electronic and print media in promoting the initiative.

Rahula Thera said that the National Namal Uyana is not his personal property but a national asset, and noted that arrangements had been made to place the site under the Central Cultural Fund to ensure its protection in the future. He also requested that a school and a hospital in the Palagala Divisional Secretariat Division be upgraded for the benefit of local residents.