11 Buddhist temples declared sacred sites in Sri Lanka, now the number of such sites reaches 142. Loktej World News

Colombo, 16 February (HS). The Sri Lankan government has declared 11 Buddhist temples of significant archaeological, historical and sacred significance in the country as sacred sites. The President’s Media Division gave this information in a press release today.

Speaking at a function, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake said several historical pilgrimage sites in the country have been designated as sacred sites, according to the release. The President is committed to protecting and safeguarding Buddhism in accordance with the country’s Constitution. The National Physical Planning Department has designated 11 temples of important archaeological, historical and sacred importance as sacred sites in the Government Gazette.

These include Ambagaswewa Purana Raja Mahavihara, Pothuvatavana Mahavihara, Ampara Muhudu Mahavihara, Raja Mahavihara, Uddhakandara Raja Mahavihara, Sri Suddharma Yuktika Vana Sensuna (Monastery), Sri Vijaya Sundararama Raja Mahavihara, Shanti Viharaya, Sri Sudharrama Purana Viharaya, Gambhara Siddha Kabbalah Mool Sunyam Devalaya and Yan Oya Raja Mahavihara is included. With this the total number of sanctuaries recognized as sacred places of worship in Sri Lanka has now reached 142. Ekanayake has said that this step of the government confirms the unwavering commitment of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

He said that apart from starting archaeological excavations at Mahavihara, the center of Theravada Buddhism, it has also been decided to establish an international Buddhist museum along with the establishment of Mahavihara University. The government’s decision has been praised by Balangoda Sobhita Nayaka Thera, Ganthune Asaji Mahanayaka Thera and Medagama Nandavansha Thera.