Save our treasures: Plea to Archaeology Dept. by chief incumbent of twice robbed temple
Twice robbed of some of its priceless ar t e facts, the Kotasara Piyangala Rajamaha Viharaya in Bibile, an ancient temple dating back to the Anuradhapura era, has sought assistance f ro m the Archaeology Department to ensure that its remaining artefacts are safeguarded.
The chief incumbent of the Viharaya, Ven. Badullagama Gunaratana Thera said that he is eager to ensure that the remaining artefacts in the Temple are safeguarded and preserved for future generations.
“After two robberies, one in 2012 and the other in 2013, I want to make sure that no such incidents happen again. I have requested the Archaeology Department to intervene to assist in securing the existing buildings so that these priceless items are safeguarded,” he said.
Under the Archaeology Act, buildings more than 100 years old cannot be modified or altered without the authorisation of the Department.
“A lot of the items are stored in a room and I have requested that the existing ancient building be converted into a muse- um so that devotees who visit the temple can also learn about its history,” the Thera said.
The Archaeology Department's ( Moneragala) Acting Assistant Director, Navaratna Karawgahanga told the Sunday Times that a request had been made to the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) to assist with setting up the museum.
“Moneragala is one of the districts with the most number of archaeological sites, with over 200 gazetted, but the work of the Department is often stretched due to the shortage of personnel. However we have consulted with the Chief Incumbent of the Kotasara Piyangala Rajamaha Viharaya and are in the process of drawing up a master plan for the maintenance of this temple,” he said.
The Rajamaha Viharaya also has a Tempita Viharaya, the image house made popular during the Kandyan era in the 17th and 18th Centuries.
“The Archaeology Department has undertaken work in this Viharaya - - restoring its paintings and ensuring that there are no seepages that could ruin the paintings,” Mr. Karawgahanga said.
In 2012, several items, including a gold plated Buddha statue were stolen and these items were never recovered. In the second robbery that took place at the temple in 2013, a two foot tall gold plated Buddha statue was stolen but it was recovered several months later and was retur ned to the temple. However, an arm of the statue had been a decapitated by the robbers by the time it was recovered.
Two persons were arrested in connection with the robbery and a case against them is pending.