A special committee with far-reaching powers will be appointed to ensure the protection of all historic temple and devale lands in the country, both in their maintenance and future development.

This was decided at a meeting held today (July 13) on implementing a programme for the protection of all historic temple and devale (shrine) lands, many of which are in decline due to little attention being paid to
their protection and development. The meeting chaired by President Mahinda Rajapaksa was held at President's House, Kandy.

The proposed committee will include representatives from the Departments of Archaeology, Physical Planning, Public Trustee, Urban Development Authority
and the Buddhist Affairs Commission, and will include representatives of all devales in the different districts. This committee will be empowered to take decisions and make recommendations on development activity taking place close to historic temple and devale lands.

At least 30 Basnayake Nilames (lay custodians) of devales from any parts of the country who were present at this meeting informed the President of the
difficulties they had in protecting temple and devale lands, aspects of development of these lands, and some of the adverse impacts of badly planned development work on properties close to these lands.

They also explained the many difficulties faced today in conducting the traditional peraheras and other festivals and rituals associated with these devales.