Three more temples Gazetted as Sacred Places

Ampara Muhudu Maha Viharaya, Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple and Kuragala Rajamaha Viharaya have been Gazetted as Sacred Places.

The relevant Gazette notification was signed by the Minister of Urban Development and Housing Prasanna Ranatunga recently.

Arrangements have been made by the National Physical Planning Department to Gazette these three Sacred Places.

At present 78 Sacred Places in the country have been gazetted. Kataragama was declared as the first Sacred Place in the country on October 16, 1961 and three months ago the Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya was gazetted as the 78th Sacred Place. Minister Prasanna Ranatunga points out that this is done according to three criteria when declaring Sacred Places.

Places of national, regional and area-wise importance are selected in this way. The approval of the Department of Archaeology as well as the Ministry of Buddha Sasana and the survey plan are essential for the gazetting of Sacred Places.