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RESTORATION OF NEELAGIRI MAHA SEYA BY SRI LANKA AIR FORCE

As per the instructions received from Ministry of Defence Sri Lanka Air Force commenced the restoration of Neelagiri Maha Seya which is located in Lahugala. According to the Archaeological experts in the Archaeological Department, this is considered as the biggest stupa in the Eastern Province which was built in the 3rd Century and the recent renovation work commenced in 2011 after a survey done by Prof. Raj Somadeva of Sri Jayawardanapura University.
Neelagiriya is located 108 Km away from Ampara and 22 Km away from the SLAF Detachment Panama. This is located in the thick jungles of Lahugala National Park and belongs to Magul Maha Viharaya , Lahugala. Lahugala Sumanasara Thero is the custodian of the Stupa and all the excavation work is in progress under the supervision of Archaeological Department.
Sri Lanka Air Force commenced the restoration work of Neegagiri Maha Seya on 16th January 2022 under the patronage of Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Chairperson of Archaeological Heritage Management Presidential Task Force for Eastern Province, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd).
In line with the directives of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, the restoration of Stupa is planned to be constructed by the Directorate of Civil Engineering through the Civil Engineering Wing at SLAF Base Katunayake.
Present progress of the restoration work is as follows.
Total Height of the Neelagiri Maha Seya - 224’
Total Height Completed - 38.5’
Dome Height Completed - 28.7’
Constructed Height by SLAF - 16.5’