A newly constructed two-storey building housing the Archaeological Museum and the International Archaeological Research Institute at the historic Somawathi sacred area in Polonnaruwa was officially opened today under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The building was constructed under the guidance of the Chief Incumbent of the historic Somawathi Raja Maha Vihara and Registrar of the Mahavihara Vansika Syamopali Maha Nikaya of the Malwatta Chapter, the Most Venerable Dr. Pahamune Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thero, and supervised by the Department of Archaeology. The project was fully funded by Deshamanya Mithrapala Lankeshwara, Chairman of the Rathna Group, to support devotees visiting the Somawathi Chaityarajaya—where the Sacred Right Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined—as well as researchers and scholars.
President Dissanayake visited the sacred site this morning, performed religious observances, and received blessings before the Chaityarajaya. He then unveiled the commemorative plaque, declared the new building open, and made the first floral offering to the Buddha statue and the sacred relic casket housed within the premises. On the occasion, Deshamanya Mithrapala Lankeshwara presented a commemorative gift to the President.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi highlighted that the Archaeological Museum and International Archaeological Research Institute will serve as an important gateway to understanding the rich history and archaeological significance of the Somawathi Chaityarajaya. He further emphasized that the ongoing development of the sacred site will follow a systematic plan integrating science and technology to preserve and share this heritage with both Sri Lankans and the global community.
The event was attended by the Maha Sangha, led by the Most Venerable Dr. Pahamune Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thero, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Deputy Minister of Housing T.B. Sarath, Members of Parliament, public representatives, and members of the Dayaka Sabha, along with Ms. Manel Deepani Gamage, Director of the Rathna Group.
