President opens archaeological museum and research institute at Somawathi

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 yesterday under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the President's Media Division (PMD) said.

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The facility, developed under the supervision of the Department of Archaeology, follows guidance from the Chief Incumbent of Somawathi RajaMaha Vihara and Registrar of the Mahavihara Vanshika Syamopali Maha Nikaya of the Malwatta Chapter, the Most Venerable Dr. Pahamune Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera. The project was fully funded by Deshamanya Mithrapala Lankeshwara, Chairman of the Rathna Group, aiming to enhance the experience of devotees visiting the Somawathi Chaityarajaya where the Sacred Right Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined as well as supporting scholars engage