14th July 2023 00:58:42 Hours
The archaeologically unique, Nelugala Buddhist ruins with more than 16 statues and artefacts, spread over an area of more than three hundred fifty acres in Perillaveli Grama Niladhari Division of Eraurpattu in the Batticaloa district consist of ruined statues, Rock Caves, Inscriptions, Ponds, Monuments and other Buddhist ruins with a Stupa dating back to the 2nd and 3rd century BC and are to be restored soon in order to bring back the ancient glory.
Major General U. D Wijesekera RWP RSP USP rcds psc, Commander, Security Forces -East on Wednesday (12) along with authorities in the Department of Archaeology commenced the restoration work officially while the Maha Sangha went on chanting 'Seth Pirith'.
Ven. Ketakumbure Dhammarama Thero, Brigadier K.V.N.P Premaratne, RSP USP psc, General Officer Commanding of the 23 Infantry Division, 232 Infantry Brigade Commander, Chief Coordinator of Civil Affairs of the Security Forces Headquarters-East, Commanding Officer of the 12 Sri Lanka National Guard (SLNG) with few officials of the Archaeological Department were present during the inauguration of the restoration project. Nelugala ruins and other archeological sites in this uninhabited area are constantly attacked by treasure hunters and timber cutting.
