The National Physical Planning Department has decided to gazette 26 places of worship across the country as Sacred Places this year.
Accordingly, Tissa Raja Maha Viharaya, Velgam Vehera Raja Maha Viharaya, Mahasen Raja Maha Viharaya, Medagoda Siddha Pattini Temple, Biyagama Sudharmarama Maha Viharaya, Papiliana Sunethra Mahadevi Pirivena, Kambalawa Ambawa Sri Sudharmaramaya, Pilakatumulla Sri Pushparama Purana Viharaya, Kirimatiyana Shri Sudharmmawansharama Rajamaha Viharaya, Kappinna Maha Viharaya, Magalla Kachchiwatta Purana Raja Maha Viharaya, Buddhiyagama Seegala Raja Maha Viharaya, Gangodawila Sri Vijayarama Viharaya, Ratmalana Pushparamaya, Asgiriya Purana Raja Maha Viharaya, Madurawela Ballapitiya Vidyajasekara Pirivena, Pothuvil Muhudu Maha Viharaya, Mahasen Raja Maha Viharaya, Buduruvapaya Raja Maha Viharaya, historical ancient Habarana Tampita, Somavathiya Raja Maha Viharaya, Kandegama Dhannajaya Raja Maha Viharaya, Kandegama Namaluva Sinhagiri Raja Maha Viharaya, Bibila historical Piangala Raja Maha Viharaya, and Maniyamgama Raja Maha Vihara will be declared as scared places through a gazette.
Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that 16 places of worship were gazetted as sacred places last year. The Minister further said that this is done according to three criteria for declaring Sacred Places.
Places of national, regional, and area-wise importance are selected in this way. The approval of the Archaeology Department, as well as the Buddha Sasana Ministry and the survey plan are essential for the gazetting of Sacred Places.
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