February 17, Colombo (LNW): In a recent development, the National Physical Planning Department has officially recognized and designated 11 temples of profound archaeological, historical, and sacred significance as Sacred Sites. The announcement was made through the Government Gazette, following the submission of relevant documents to the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday (15), with the ceremony presided over by the Secretary to the President, Saman Ekanayake.
The newly designated Sacred Sites include Ambagaswewa Purana Rajamaha Vihara (Anuradhapura District), Pothuvatawana Maha Vihara (Puttalam District), Ampara Muhudu Maha Vihara (Ampara District), Maddegama Raja Maha Vihara (Gampaha District), Uddhakandara Rajamaha Vihara (Hambantota District), Sri Saddharma Yuktika Vana Senasuna (Trincomalee District), Dambadeniya Sri Vijaya Sundararama Raja Maha Vihara (Kurunegala District), Shanthi Viharya (Trincomalee District), Kabalewa Ambawa Sri Sudharmarama Purana Vihara, Gambhara Siddha Kabala Mul Soonyam Devalaya (Kurunegala District), and Yan Oya Rajamaha Vihara (Trincomalee District).
With these additions, the total number of recognized sacred places of worship in Sri Lanka has now reached 142. Secretary to the President, Saman Ekanayake, affirmed President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s steadfast commitment to upholding and protecting Buddhism in accordance with the Constitution. Additionally, the Secretary highlighted various government initiatives aimed at advancing Buddhism, including plans for archaeological excavations at the Maha Vihara, the establishment of Maha Vihara University, and the construction of an international Buddhist museum in Kandy.
The ceremony, chaired by Most Venerable Balangoda Sobhita Nayaka Thera, was attended by eminent figures in the Buddhist clergy, including Most Venerable Ganthune Assaji Maha Nayaka Thera and Most Venerable Medagama Nandawansa Thera. State Minister Shantha Bandara, MP Samanpriya Herath, and officials from related institutions were also present at the event. A charitable donation was made at the Presidential Secretariat in honor of the Maha Sangha as part of the occasion.
