On February 20, 2025, the sacred omniscient relics were ceremoniously transferred to the relic exhibition pavilion at the Department of Archaeology’s Relics Hall. This was followed the Seth Pirith sermon, delivered by Venerable Dr. Mullegama Sumana Thero and Venerable Ranne Seelawimalahimi Thero. The transfer took place under the patronage of Professor Thusitha Mendis, Director General of Archaeology, and Architect Prasanna B. Ratnayake, Director of Architecture conservation.
The Honorable Minister of Buddhism, Religious, and Cultural Affairs, Professor Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, visited the Department of Archaeology to pay homage to the Nilgiriya Sacred Relics. He was accompanied by Private Secretary Mr. Anil Abeygunawardena and Media Coordinating Secretary Mr.Ruwan Premaweera.
Insights from the Press Conference
A press conference was held at the Department of Archaeology, where Professor Thusitha Mendis, Director General of Archaeology provided details on the excavation and conservation efforts at the Neelagiriya Stupa. He explained that the omniscient relics were discovered wrapped in gold leaves, encased in a golden casket, and placed within a stone casket. The presence of a lotus flower carving at the base of the stone casket allowed experts to confirm their authenticity as omniscient relics. Visitors to today’s relic exhibition have the rare opportunity to view this sacred golden casket.
Architect Prasanna B. Herath, Director of Architecture, elaborated on the conservation interventions at the Neelagiriya Stupa. This stupa, which gained the Department of Archaeology’s attention in 2009, has undergone extensive restoration. Following conservation efforts, the stupa stands at a height of 215 feet and 6 inches, with the main relic chamber positioned at 68 feet. In addition to the main chamber, three smaller chambers exist, each measuring 2 feet in length, width, and height, while the main chamber has a 5-foot dimension. Future conservation work will focus on enhancing the surrounding landscape under the theme “Seeing the Neelagiri Through the Green Forest.”
As part of today’s events, a revered group of monks, led by Most Venerable Angulgamuwe Ariyananda Thero of Na Uyana Aranya Senasana, formally handed over a collection of Buddha statues and sacred relics to the Department of Archaeology for enshrinement within the stupa’s nave.
The Honorable Minister of Buddhism, Religious, and Cultural Affairs, Professor Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, visited the Department of Archaeology to pay homage to the Nilgiriya Sacred Relics. He was accompanied by Private Secretary Mr. Anil Abeygunawardena and Media Coordinating Secretary Mr.Ruwan Premaweera.
Insights from the Press Conference
A press conference was held at the Department of Archaeology, where Professor Thusitha Mendis, Director General of Archaeology provided details on the excavation and conservation efforts at the Neelagiriya Stupa. He explained that the omniscient relics were discovered wrapped in gold leaves, encased in a golden casket, and placed within a stone casket. The presence of a lotus flower carving at the base of the stone casket allowed experts to confirm their authenticity as omniscient relics. Visitors to today’s relic exhibition have the rare opportunity to view this sacred golden casket.
Architect Prasanna B. Herath, Director of Architecture, elaborated on the conservation interventions at the Neelagiriya Stupa. This stupa, which gained the Department of Archaeology’s attention in 2009, has undergone extensive restoration. Following conservation efforts, the stupa stands at a height of 215 feet and 6 inches, with the main relic chamber positioned at 68 feet. In addition to the main chamber, three smaller chambers exist, each measuring 2 feet in length, width, and height, while the main chamber has a 5-foot dimension. Future conservation work will focus on enhancing the surrounding landscape under the theme “Seeing the Neelagiri Through the Green Forest.”
As part of today’s events, a revered group of monks, led by Most Venerable Angulgamuwe Ariyananda Thero of Na Uyana Aranya Senasana, formally handed over a collection of Buddha statues and sacred relics to the Department of Archaeology for enshrinement within the stupa’s nave.
