Neelagiri: Neelagiri, a historic Stupa situated in a tranquil environment within the Lahugala Forest Reserve, is undergoing significant restoration work supervised by the Ministry of Defence. Located in the Lahugala Divisional Secretariat Division of Ampara District in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, the Stupa had been neglected for many years due to past regional conflicts.
According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the restoration commenced on January 16, 2022, with the Ministry of Defence overseeing the project, alongside the Department of Archaeology. Funding for the restoration has been sourced from donations by local and foreign Buddhist devotees, led by the Na Uyana Forest Monastery. The Sri Lanka Air Force and the Civil Security Forces are providing the necessary manpower to ensure the construction progresses smoothly and without delay.
The Neelagiri Stupa, the second of its kind in the Eastern Province after the Deegavapiya Stupa, holds a mysterious history as accurate records of its origins are s
carce. One theory suggests it might be the ‘Paashana Deepika Vihara’ established by King Dhatika Maha Naga, while another links it to the ‘Maha Nuggala Stupa’ from the era of King Kavantissa of the ancient Rohana kingdom. An inscription from the 3rd century CE mentions a donation by a person named Viya Hawiya to the ‘Kulabariya Maha Vihara’, believed to be an ancient name for the Neelagiri Stupa.
Archaeological excavations in the area have revealed a significant number of relics, thought to belong to Arahants, highlighting the site’s archaeological and religious importance. The Stupa is expected to reach a height of 215 feet upon completion, requiring approximately 5,145,000 bricks. Initially, the structure stood at about 22 feet when the Sri Lanka Air Force took over the restoration; it has now reached approximately 51 feet 5 inches.
About 150 members from the Air Force and Civil Security Forces continue their labour contributions under the Ministry of Defence’s supervision, diligently working to restore t
he Neelagiri Stupa to its former glory.