It ws alleged that all all the criteria set by an archaeological academic committeee for nailing huge bolts to the 900 year old plaster plate and smashing the plaster plate in the Polonnaruwa Kirivehera, which is considered to be a universal architectural resource, has been violated.
The developer, Central Cultural Fund has removed a part of the plaster at the time when the Department of Archaeology submitted proposals for this conservation,sources told to Lankasara.
Finally, after a lengthy discussion, it was suggested that the centuries-old plastering site be preserved and only the cracks covered with lime and preserved.
The Hatharas Kotuwa (Square Fort) of the Dagaba was built of cement with huge nails and iron plates, despite the archaeologist’s instructions. Although it is said that this construction was done to shape the nave of the dagoba and to install a rotating ladder, Archaeological Department sources say that such a construction is required for a new Dagaba and not for such an ancient dagaba.
Suggestions of the Panel of Experts
The panel of experts that met for the conservation of the Kirivehera had finally decided to fill in only the cracks in the stupa.
In this confirmation, great care was taken not to change the shape of the stupa which is presently seen,
Apply a new layer of plaster so as not to damage the old layer of plaster.
In each case, they have seized it, despite obstacles we can scarcely imagine. ”
Under no circumstances should cement mortar be used for preservation
Recommendations were made to treat the lime as a living stupa.
Prof. Gamini Ranasinghe, Director General of the Central Cultural Fund and Prof. Anura Manatunga, Director General of the Department of Archeology represented both.
When inquired about this by the Director General of the Central Cultural Fund, Prof. Gamini Ranasinghe, stated that as long as he is present, he will not allow any intervention that would harm the ancient plaster of Kirivehera.
He said that an expert committee was convened with his intervention to carry out the conservation work on the basis of the recommendations and suggestions received from the committee.
The plaster that is said to have been removed from Kirivehera is not an ancient plaster blade belonging to the Polonnaruwa period. The professor also said that the plaster parts used for conservation by archaeologists such as Bell and Senarath Paranavithana.
