The Department of Archaeology has announced plans to rebuild the historic Kurunegala Bhuvanekabahu Royal Assembly Hall, which was previously demolished.
Commissioner General of Archaeology, Prof. Thusitha Mendis, stated that approval must first be obtained from the Kurunegala Municipal Council for the reconstruction, as the land on which the building stood is under municipal ownership.
He added that while the damaged portion of the structure will be reconstructed, the remaining original parts will be preserved.
On July 14, 2020, the Kurunegala Municipal Council damaged the ancient Bhuvanekabahu Royal Assembly Hall using a backhoe, citing the need to expand the road.
The building, dating back to the Kurunegala Kingdom of the 13th century, is classified as an archaeological monument under the Antiquities Ordinance No. 09 of 1940.
