President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed officials to start scientific and archaeological explorations in the areas around Malwathu Oya, the Maha Vihara precincts and the Kingdom of Sithawaka, which are believed to be the first settlements in Sri Lanka.
The President has taken this decision following the request of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Minister of Cultural and Religious Affairs Vidura Wickramanayaka. The President has decided to re-explore these areas and identify archaeological ruins and places that need to be preserved.
The Acting Director General of the Department of Archaeology will begin these activities in due course.
According to the report, the ruins of the Kotte Kingdom are to be re-explored, but it has not been possible as the area is heavily populated. A detailed exploration of the jetty near the Thiriyaya temple and the settlements around it as well as the water and land routes from Thiriyaya to Horowpathana will also be carried out parallel to this.