RDA has no respect for monuments protected by law
By Viren Godamanne View(s): The Malwatta Chapter Mahanayake has expressed serious concern while others have complained over the blatant disregard and vandalism of Sri Lanka’s ancient monuments. The latest of such a threat which was temporarily halted by the timely action of the appellate court was the Road Development Authority’s move that could have caused harm and destruction to the Ancient Godamunne Walauwwa at Ampitiya in Kandy. The Walauwwa and land surrounding it had been received by Godamunne Mudali through a grant by Sannas in 1765 in honour of his indomitable courage and skill in war, after he routed the forces of Van Eck, during the Dutch invasion of Kandy. This happened during the reign of King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe. (Lawrie’s Gazette). While the Godamunne Sakalasuriya family owned paraveni lands from 1660 A.D. in Hewaheta, they came to live permanently in the Walauwwa at Ampitiya after Capt. Fraser of the British Imperial army overran and razed ...