Neelagiri Stupa Renovation Work under the Full Supervision of the Ministry Of Defence

Neelagiri, a historic Stupa is Located in a secluded beautiful environment within the Lahugala Forest Reserve, which falls under the Lahugala Divisional Secretariat Division of Ampara District in the Eastern Province.

Due to the turbulent conditions in the area during the recent conflict, the Neelagiri Stupa had not received attention for many years. Restoration work on the Stupa began on 16 January 2022 under the leadership of the Ministry of Defence and with full supervision of the Department of Archaeology. Necessary funding was provided through donations from local and foreign Buddhist devotees led by the Na Uyana Forest Monastery, while members of the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Civil Security Forces contributed the required labour so that construction work could continue without interruption.

When investigating the history of this unique Stupa, the second such in the Eastern Province after the Deegavapiya Stupa, accurate information about a Stupa built under this name is not clearly recorded in the country's primary historical sources. However, one view holds that it is the 'Paashana Deepika Vihara' established by the great 'Dhatika Maha Naga' (Mahadatika Mahanaga) king. Another theory proposes that this Stupa is the 'Maha Nuggala Stupa' constructed under King 'Kavantissa' belonging to the ancient 'Rohana' kingdom.

Additionally, according to an inscription dated to the 3rd century CE, it is recorded that a person named "Viya Hawiya" donated 20 kahavanu (a unit of money or gold coins) to the 'Kulabariya Maha Vihara' for delivering sermons of the 'Ariyavamsa Sutta'. The name "Kulabariya Maha Vihara" mentioned there is believed to have been an alternative historical name once applied to the Neelagiri Stupa.

Further, archaeological excavations conducted in this area have uncovered a large quantity of relics that are presumed to belong to great Arahants (senior Buddhist monks). This evidence underscores the site's importance both archaeologically and religiously.

At completion, the Neelagiriya Stupa is planned to reach a height of 215 feet. It has been estimated that approximately 5,145,000 bricks will be required to complete the restoration works. When the Sri Lanka Air Force took responsibility for the restoration, the Stupa height was only about 22 feet; at present the completed height is approximately 51 feet 5 inches.

Some 150 members of the Air Force and Civil Security Forces continue to provide labour contributions for the Neelagiri Stupa restoration works and all construction activities are being carried out under the full supervision of the Ministry of Defence.