Cracks on world’s’ tallest Jetavanaramaya, Ministry deploys special team

• It was built during the reign of King Mahasena (273-301 AD)

By Yohan Perera and B. G. Chathuranga  

Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayake has dispatched a team of experts to investigate the cracks that had appeared on the historical Jetavanarama Stupa.    “I have instructed the team to submit a report within a week. We will take action based on its recommendations,” he added.   

Jetavanaramaya is situated in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura.   

It was built during the reign of King Mahasena (273-301 AD) of the Anuradhapura Kingdom. It took nearly 15 years to complete and stands as a testament to ancient Sri Lankan engineering and architectural prowess. It is considered the tallest such structure in the world.   

Archaeology Department’s Acting Director -General Gamini Ranasingha said the crack on the Stupa has been existing for a year and various treatments have been tried to rectify the damage. He suggested that the passage of time since the Stupa’s construction, along with shifting environmental and weather conditions, could have led to the formation of the crack. He said cracks such as these could appear in any such edifice. He said there are small cracks in Ruwanwelisaya as well   

The Stupa has been renovated by placing bricks on the old structure.