The historic Jetawana stupa in Anuradhapura, which is considered the largest and tallest stupa made out of bricks, will be unveiled for the benefit of the public by President Mahinda Rajapaksa today(June 18).

The conservation work of the stupa which began in 1980 with the assistance of UNESCO and Central Cultural Fund went on for nearly three decades.

The Jetawana stupa built by King Mahasen (276- 303 AD) who is also reputed as the great tank builder of Sri Lanka. Its original height was over 120 meters. Withstanding the ravages of nature more than 1600 years it is a silent testament to the engineering skills of the ancient architects of Sri Lanka. The whole complex spreads over an area of 80 hectares, which is a result of gradual expansion of over six centuries since its establishment.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa was a devout Buddhist showed a great interest in the progress of the Jetawana Conservation Project when he was a Minister and later the Prime Minister, said The chief incumbent of Jetavanarama temple Venerable Ihala Halmillewe Rathanapala Nayaka thera “Today is a red letter day for Sri Lanka as the President who gave leadership to the war against the LTTE grace the occasion of offering the conserved Jethavana Stupa to the World Buddhist Community”, the Nayaka Thera further said.