The antiquities of historic importance at Kasagala Raja Maha Vihara, Kumbukgete in the Ibbagamuwa Divisional Secretariat division are fast perishing and will be lost forever unless swift action is taken to preserve them.
It is believed that this cave temple was built during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. The temple’s frescoes are perishing with the plaster peeling off. Several Buddha statues too have been disfigured.
The temple is of such significance that it is mentioned in the chronicles such as Mahawamsa and Manoratha Puranaya. According the temple’s Chief Incumbent Ven. Melsiripura Wimalarathana Thera, the temple had faced this predicament due to the plundering of treasure hunters. Several Buddha statues and other antiquities were stolen seven years ago.
The Dagaba built on the top of the rock too was destroyed by treasure hunters. There are many stone pillars, guard stones and other ruins of historic importance scattered in ten acres.
The Chief Incumbent of the temple and residents in the area call upon the Department of Archaeology to look into this matter and take swift action to preserve valuable antiquities in the vihara premises and surrounding.