A heated dispute has erupted within the Buddhist clergy as a nun lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), accusing the Mihintale Venerable of fraudulently creating an agreement to claim authority over the historic Anula Mahaseya site, a sacred archaeological monument.
The Mihintale Venerable has been accused of fraudulently preparing a memorandum of understanding to appoint an incumbent monk for land belonging to the Department of Archaeology. Critics say this is unacceptable, arguing that the Anula Maha Seya, a historic heritage site of Sri Lankan monks and nuns, cannot be handed over through fraudulent means.
Addressing the media outside the CID in Colombo Fort, Anuradhapura Dhammani Anurapali Mehane Thero declared that Bodagama Chandima Nayaka Venerable had come forward to restore the decaying Anula Seya with official permission, but his efforts were sabotaged out of jealousy. According to her, the project was initiated legally with the Department of Archaeology and approval from the Attorney General, but later disrupted by Mihintale’s guardian monk, Walawahangunawewe Dhammarathana Venerable.
The nun stressed that the Diggala Anulatissa Dagoba in Mihintale is of immense historical and religious value, built by King Kanishtatissa in 165 AD for the nuns and confirmed archaeologically as housing relics of Sri Lanka’s first Maha Arahant Theraniya. She warned that the sabotage of the conservation project is depriving the Sasana and the country of preserving a priceless site.
She alleged that false accusations and conspiracies halted the project and that illegal acts by the Mihintale monk must be investigated. She challenged him to restore the dagoba instead of obstructing conservation, insisting that greed has endangered the future of the Sasana.
The nun pointed out that an archaeological site owned by the Department of Archaeology cannot suddenly have a “temple incumbent” without a temple, calling it a criminal act. She claimed fake documents were prepared last year to create a position that never existed, demanding accountability.
She urged authorities to hand over the site to nuns dedicated to preservation, arguing that many temples across Sri Lanka are dying and need responsible guardians. She concluded that Mihintale monks have failed in their duty and that the CID must ensure the protection of Sri Lanka’s heritage for future generations.
