Historic Kurunegala Royal Assembly Hall to be Reconstructed

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Archaeology has announced plans to reconstruct the historic Buwanekaba Royal Assembly Hall in Kurunegala, which was previously demolished.

Professor Thushitha Mendis, the Director General of Archaeology, stated that approval from the Municipal Council is required for the reconstruction, as the site is owned by the council.

The reconstruction will involve preserving the remaining original structure while rebuilding the demolished sections. 

This decision follows the damage inflicted on July 14, 2020, when the Kurunegala Municipal Council used heavy machinery to widen a road, resulting in significant harm to the ancient Buwanekaba Royal Palace.

The building, believed to date back to the 13th century Kurunegala Kingdom, is recognized as a protected monument under the Antiquities Ordinance No. 09 of 1940.