Demala Maha Seya preservation works to start soon [March 08 2014]

Plans are a foot for site preservation works of the Demala Maha Seya (stupa) in Polonnaruwa, according to the Central Cultural Fund. According to the written history this stupa has been built on the instructions of the King Parakramabahu who reigned Sri Lanka from 1153 to 1186.

Though this is a gigantic uncompleted stupa it is believed to be the largest ever built in Asia. The total height of the stupa is approximately 625 feet. Circumference of the stupa is more than 1950 feet.

As the initial step of the site preservation process, research and excavations will be started from the right side of the stupa. This project will start parallel to the national Vesak program that is scheduled to be held in Polonnaruwa this year in May, according to a spokesperson of the Central Cultural Fund.