The National Namal Uyana has been officially declared a ‘National Heritage of Sri Lanka’ for the first time under the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, with the aim of identifying, conserving, and passing the country’s national heritage to future generations. The milestone coincided with the celebration of 35 years since the establishment of National Namal Uyana, held at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Spanning 602 hectares in the Palagala Divisional Secretariat Division of the Anuradhapura District, National Namal Uyana is recognized for its unique combination of national, religious, environmental, and geographical values. At the request of its founder, Venerable Wanawasee Rahula Thero, the President unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the declaration of the site as a National Heritage through online technology, facilitated by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.
Speaking at the event, President Dissanayake emphasized that it is the national responsibility of all citizens to preserve this exceptional environmental heritage for future generations. He also expressed gratitude to Venerable Wanawasee Rahula Thero for his decades-long commitment to protecting and developing the National Namal Park.
In a gesture marking the anniversary, Venerable Wanawasee Rahula Thero presented the first day cover issued by the Sri Lanka Postal Department and the ‘National Namal Park Academic Encyclopedia’ to the President.
Delivering a special sermon, the Venerable noted that this occasion will be remembered as one of the greatest environmental services undertaken by the current government. He also highlighted his appreciation for the decision to hold the celebration at the Presidential Secretariat, given the current situation in the country, instead of the originally planned venue at National Namal Uyana.
Venerable Wanawasee Rahula Thero reflected on his journey since March 28, 1991, when he first arrived at the forest area of National Namal Uyana and dedicated himself to its development despite criticism and challenges. He acknowledged the support he received over the years from political leaders, including Mrs. Chandrika Kumaratunga and Mr. Bert Premalal Dissanayake, which enabled essential developments such as electricity provision. He also expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the park’s recognition as a national heritage, including Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Deputy Minister Gamagedara Dissanayake, Roshan Gamage, and the media.
Emphasizing that the National Namal Uyana is not his personal property but a heritage for the nation, Venerable Wanawasee Rahula Thero stated his intention to hand it over to the Central Cultural Fund to ensure its protection. He also suggested linking the site with Gangaramaya Temple and involving relevant government offices to secure its long-term preservation.
The Venerable requested upgrades for local facilities, including converting one school and one hospital in the Palagala Divisional Secretariat Division into full-fledged institutions for the benefit of the local community.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Prince Senadheera, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment K.R. Uduwawala, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Director General of Archaeology E.A. Senarath Wickramasinghe, Director General of the Central Cultural Fund Dr. Nilan Cooray, Postmaster General S.R.W.M.R.P. Sathkumara, and other officials.
