CCF to launch renovation work of Demala Maha Seya

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

The Central Cultural Fund (CCF) plans to start renovation work of the Demala Maha Seya (stupa) in Polonnaruwa which was built by King Parakramabahu who reigned from 1153 to 1186, according to a spokesperson of the Central Cultural Fund.

Though this gigantic stupa is uncompleted, it is believed to be the largest ever built in Asia.

The height of the stupa is approximately 625 feet. The circumference of the stupa is more than 1950 feet. "There are no records found so far of such an architectural marvel of this magnitude," the spokesperson said.

As the initial step of the site preservation process, research and excavations will be started from the right side of the stupa.

The Central Cultural Fund starts this project following the completion of site preservation projects started for Jethavanaramaya and Abhayagiriya stupas.

The site preservation project will start parallel to the national 'Wesak' program that is scheduled to be held in Polonnaruwa this year in May. According to the former Commissioner of Archaeology and the Director General of the Central Cultural Fund Dr. Roland Silva has explained that the name Demala Maha Seya means a two storey stupa.

But in the Mahawansa, the historical chronicle of Sri Lanka mentions that the name was given to the stupa as it was built by prisoners brought from India when King Parakramabahu successfully attacked the Chola kingdom in South India.