Govt. to conduct archaeological fact-finding mission in Kuragala

By Ashwin Hemmathagama 

Our Lobby Correspondent

The Government has shifted its attention to Kuragala, an area both Buddhists as well as Islamic followers claim rights for over a long period, to conduct an archaeological fact-finding mission on Prague history and the evidence of Sri Lankan civilisation.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing Parliament revealed plans to dig for more clues in Kuragala area with the permission of Islamic religious establishments to confirm Sri Lanka’s history dating back over 8,000 years. 

“We believe Sri Lanka has lots of evidence on Prague history, a period dating over 8,000 years. This is well before Prince Wijeya came to Sri Lanka. Prof. Deraniyagala has confirmed this.” According to Wickremesinghe, a skeleton dating over 8,000 years was found from Kuragala, prompting the commencement of excavations soon. But Kuragala is an area important to both Buddhist as well as Islamic followers. The excavations should be done in agreement with them, without damaging their property. There had been a Pirivena in Kuragala dating back to the Anuradhapura period. We are now in the process of securing the archaeological findings,” he added.

Opposition Lawmaker Sunil Handunnetti adding to the Prime Minister’s quest to secure archaeological sites requested the Government to repair the road leading to the Balangoda caves. “Balangoda Man (Homo sapiens balangodensis) was found in Bellana in Balangoda. Now the road to Bellana is in very bad condition. We request you to repair this road.” Dr. Sarath Amunugama, reminding the House about the tension experienced in the past between Buddhists and Islamists over Kuragala, commended the Government for its efforts taken on the middle path and plans to take permission before the excavations commence.

“We need to find a solution to develop Kuragala without starting ethnic clashes,” said Dr. Amunugama.