Deegawapi declared sacred place to expedite development - Minister Gunawardena

Mohamed NAALIR

Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said yesterday the historic Deegawapi has been declared a sacred place to expedite its development work.

Under the accelerated development project, a museum is to be constructed to protect the archaeological artefacts and measures would be taken to renovate the Deegawapi Chaithya and Sala Pathala Maluwa under the supervision of the Archaeological Department.

After Deegawapi is made sacred place, the construction work of Perahera Mawatha, devotees’ rest hall, alms hall and trade stalls will be carried out by the Physical Planning Department of Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Ministry.

Minister Gunawardena said the aim is to achieve economic and social development. “The arrival of local and foreign tourists too will increase after the renovation work,” Minister Gunawardena said.

The Deegawapi Chaithya was constructed by Saddhatissa in 137 AD during the reign of King Dutugemunu.