The historic ruins at the Sangamuwa Raja Maha Viharaya in Udabulathgama , two miles away from Gokarella , will be lost forever for the nation unless the Department of Archaeology takes steps to preserve them.
A peace accord signed by two kings Parakramabahu the Great and Gajabahu the second 866 years ago is inscribed on a rock in the temple. The two kings had signed the accord to bring in peace and harmony between the two kingdoms when a civil war erupted in 1,153. The inscription has now 14 lines.
Treasure hunters had damaged a Buddha statue at the temple and the walls of the temple have cracks while its murals were defaced. Viharadhipathi Ven. Aluthgama Mangala Thera said the accord was the first peace accord inscribed on a rock in the world. The Chief Incumbent and residents of the area urge the Department of Archaeology to take steps to preserve these invaluable national assets.
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