Once buried under dense jungle for centuries, The historic Neelagiri Chethiya, one of Sri Lanka’s largest ancient stupas, is gaining renewed attention following recent restoration efforts and archaeological discoveries. This archaeological site is Situated in the Lahugala Divisional Secretariat Division of the Ampara District in the Eastern Province, it has a significant Buddhist monuments associated with the ancient Rohana Kingdom.
Excavation of this nationally significant stupa, recognized as one of the largest in Sri Lanka, commenced in July 2011 and continued under the supervision of the Department of Archaeology until 2014. With a base diameter of approximately 600 feet, Neelagiri Chethiya stands among the largest stupas in the Eastern Province, reflecting the grandeur of ancient Sri Lankan Buddhist architecture.
During the excavation approximately 300 caskets have been uncovered including 39 gold caskets, 247 crystal caskets, 12 glass caskets, and 4 silver caskets. Additionally, various offerings and artifacts such as ornaments, colorful stones, Lakshmi and other types of coins, 43 Sripathul stones, and 11 jhatras were discovered, providing valuable insights into the cultural and religious practices of the period.
The significance of this excavation is underscored by several key factors, including the discovery of a large number of sacred relics, the discovery of the highest number of caskets ever unearthed in a Sri Lankan stupa excavation, and the evidence of relic paintings. These findings distinguish this excavation as a landmark event in the history of Sri Lankan archaeology.
The restoration of Neelagiri Chaitya, which had fallen into disrepair by 2017, was initiated under the guidance of the Most Venerable Kalutara Wimalasara Thero of Na Uyana Aranya Senasana. Following his passing, the Most Venerable Angulgamuwe Ariyananda Thero laid the foundation stone for the reconstruction of the Chaitya on October 18, 2021. Subsequently, on January 16, 2022, with the support of the then Secretary of Defense, restoration efforts commenced and continue to this day with the dedicated contributions of the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Department of Civil Defense.
All necessary preparations have been completed for the installation and adornment of the four-way relic chambers, standing at a height of 66 feet, scheduled for March 4, 2025. The relics and sacred objects recovered from the stupa will be enshrined within these chambers, which will then be officially sealed in.
The Neelagiriya Sarvagna Relics will be open for public veneration at the Department of Archaeology in Colombo on February 20, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In honor of Sarvagna Relics, an all-night Pirith chanting ceremony will be conducted on the same day, followed by an alms-giving ceremony the following morning.
The Arrival Neelagiriya Sarvagna Relics will take place from February 21, 2025, to March 1, 2025. Detailed routes, dates, and other relevant information are provided here. Devotees will have the opportunity to venerate the relics and perform pujas, experiencing a spiritual connection as if in the presence of the living Buddha.
