Excavation project completed

in the archaeological site of Karundi Rajamajha Vihara in Kurudumalai

By Romesh Madusanka   

Excavation project in the archaeological site of Karundi Rajamaha Vihara in Kurudumalai in Mullaithivu district has now been completed.   

Chief Sanghanayake of the Northern Province and Chief Incumbent of the Rajamaha Vihara Ven. Galgamuwe Santhabodhi Thera said the army and the Civil Security Department provided free labour to the excavation project funded by President of the Bauddhaloka Foundation Jagath Sumathipala. 

 
An inscription, fragments of Buddha statues, several metallic statues including that which could be of a king were among the finds.   

Ven. Thera said the project was implemented under the direct supervision of the Department of Archaeology. He said Kurundi Rajamaha Vihara had been left to the mercy of the LTTE terrorists for more than 30 years of military conflicts until the Department of Archaeological focused attention on it in 2021.   “According to tradition, Karundi is one of the places visited by the Buddha during His advent in Sri Lanka. It is the largest monastery built of Kabook and the largest archaeological site in the North. Mahawansa chronicle shows that the historic temple site had been known by different names. The historic temple had been built by King Khallatanaga (100-103) and renovated by King Agbo I (571-604). He had built the tank called Kurundavapi. King Vijayabahu I (1055 -1110) had renovated the Cheithiya and provided facilities to the monks. According to the Mahawansa chronicle Parakramabahu 11 ( 11236 -2070AD) had destroyed a fortress of Klinga Magha located in Karundi “ Ven, Santhabodhi further said.