Strips of explosions have been observed emanating from the quadrangle of the Anuradhapura Jetavanarama Stupa, renowned as the world’s largest brick stupa, housing the revered Buddha’s ” Sacred Relic,” as per reports from Sri Lanka’s latest news.
Concerned citizens are urging the president to intervene decisively, seeking a lasting resolution rather than temporary fixes. They advocate for the direct involvement of archaeologists and scholars in addressing the issue.
The Jetavanarama Stupa, erected in the fourth century AD by King Mahasen, stands at a towering height of 400 feet. The establishment of the Cultural Fund in 1982 has underscored a special emphasis on preserving this historic monument, which holds a distinguished status among global heritage sites.
In response to inquiries, Prof. Gamini Ranasinghe, Director General of the Central Cultural Fund, stated that regular investigations and remedial actions are being undertaken every week. He noted that such explosions are not uncommon in stupas and affirmed the engagement of a team of experts and engineers in addressing the situation. Prof. Ranasinghe acknowledged similar issues in other historical sites like Ruwanweli Saya, attributing them to the extensive timeline of approximately 2500 years, during which wear and tear are inevitable.
