Sapugaskanda Rajamaha Viharaya gets uplifted as a tourist attraction

A pirith ceremony held on behalf of Japanese visitors

Japanese visitors and Sri Lankan project members

A large number of Japanese visitors attended the commencement of the development activities

Sapugaskanda Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient temple of historical value. It is believed that the temple  has been built in the Kandyan era and dates back to the time of King Weera Parakramabahu Narendrasinghe. Currently the temple is preserved by the Department of Archaeology and houses many valuable statues and Buddha images.

Under the guidance of the Chief Incumbent Venerable Dangama Gnanasiri Nayaka Thera,  and with the support of Member of Parliament Ashoka Ranwala, representing the Biyagama Seat in the Gampaha District, a project was initiated to further develop the temple. This aims to strengthen religious and cultural ties between Japan and Sri Lanka.

This project is supported by Dr. Ruwan Perera, who has been involved in social service activities for many years. Through the Little Japan Foundation, donations of over Rs. 100 million have been offered to support the education of children in rural districts, including school supplies and sanitation facilities for students.

One of the main objectives of this initiative is to introduce the historical and cultural significance of Sapugaskanda Rajamaha Viharaya to Japanese tourists visiting Sri Lanka. 

A large number of Japanese visitors attended the commencement of the development activities. Offering them with a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, the Biyagama Cultural Centre organised traditional performances including dance performances of Kandyan and Low-country styles and a demonstration of Angampora, a traditional Sri Lankan martial art. Meditation programmes were also conducted.

Dr. Ruwan Perera, founder of the Little Japan Foundation, mentioned at a media briefing that after the completion of the temple’s development work, which is expected this year, nearly 300 leading Japanese business representatives and Japanese tourists are planning to visit the temple.