In the latest development of the ongoing land dispute surrounding the Kurundi Raja Maha Vihara in Mullaitivu, Sri Lanka, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced the formation of a committee to investigate the historical ownership of the temple’s land.
The committee will specifically examine the claims that the Kurundi Vihara historically owned 2,000 acres and the Thiriyaya Vihara in Trincomalee owned 3,000 acres of land, raising questions about the necessity and justification for such extensive land ownership.
This move by the President comes amidst a heated debate between experts, politicians, and religious leaders regarding the preservation of the historical site and the allocation of government lands.
The controversy surrounding the Kurundi Raja Maha Vihara revolves around conflicting opinions regarding the acquisition and distribution of lands associated with the temple. The temple complex, with its rich Buddhist heritage and significance, has been a subject of interest for archaeologists, historians, and the local community alike.
The roots of this dispute trace back to the colonial era, as a Gazette notification issued in 1933 declared the Kurundi temple complex and its vicinity as a special Archaeological Reserve under the purview of the Department of Archaeology. The complex, believed to have been constructed during the reign of King Ballatanaga around 109-104 BCE, holds immense sacred value for Buddhists, as it is said to have been visited by Lord Buddha during his second visit to Lanka.
Recent events have thrust the Kurundi Raja Maha Vihara into the spotlight. A video circulating on social media captured a tense exchange between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Director General of Archaeology, Prof. Anura Manatunga. The disagreement arose when Prof. Manatunga stated that removing 79 acres of land from the allocated 279 acres for the historic site would be impossible after an archaeological exploration. President Wickremesinghe, in response, questioned the necessity of such a large area, comparing it to other ancient monastic complexes in Sri Lanka.
The confrontation between the President and the Archaeology Director General has raised broader questions about the role of experts in shaping archaeological decisions and the preservation of historical sites. The incident resulted in the resignation of Prof. Anura Manatunga, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding the fate of the Kurundi Raja Maha Vihara site.
Amidst the ongoing debate, Archaeologist Ven. Dr. Ellawala Medhananda Thero expressed concerns in a letter to the President regarding the proposed transfer of government lands associated with the temple. Ven. Dr. Medhananda Thero highlighted the scattered ruins of Buddhist monasteries in the vicinity and argued against distributing these lands, citing instances of wrongful land acquisition and coercion.
In response, the President’s Secretary, Saman Ekanayake, clarified that no decision had been made to transfer government lands associated with the Kurundi Vihara. It was emphasized that the temple holds significant archaeological value and that land-related issues in the North and East regions should be resolved by protecting lands categorized as forests and wildlife zones prior to 1985.
To address the complexities of the situation, the President’s Office has assured the public that a committee will be appointed to examine the historical evidence regarding land ownership by the Kurundi and Thiriyaya Viharas. The committee’s findings will shed light on the extent of historical land ownership and provide insights into the necessity of land allocation for these temples, especially in comparison to the iconic Mahavihara.
As the dispute over land at the Kurundi Raja Maha Vihara continues, it is crucial to find a balanced solution that upholds the preservation of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage while taking into account the interests of the local community. The outcome of the committee’s investigation will have significant implications for the future management and protection of the Kurundi Vihara site, as well as the wider discussion on historical preservation in the country.
-From news sources