The JVP yesterday charged in Parliament that the Government is building a massive stupa in the sacred city of Anuradhapura digging up places of archaeological importance without giving any consideration that this would result in losing some of the artifacts forever.

JVP MP Ranaweera Pathirana said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had laid a foundation stone for the construction of the first Sama Maha Chetiya several weeks ago in the sacred city of Anuradhapura.

This stupa, one of the nine such chetiyas being erected in each province, is being constructed to commemorate the total eradication of the LTTE from the country. The 250 feet height commemorative stupa will be erected between the Sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and the Ruwanweli Seya Stupa.

The excavation of the site for the construction of this commemorative stupa has commenced without giving due importance to Archaeological Impact Assessment reports.

He demanded that the Government must take immediate action either to halt the excavation or to develop a method that would ensure the protection of the site and its archaeological remains.

Chief Government Whip Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said that this stupa is being constructed as a token of gratitude to the war heroes and queried whether the JVP wants the Government to stop its felicitation of the war heroes.

Minister said that the entire land mass of this country is of archaeologically importance and every place should be equally protected and conserved but when the needs come up for construction the priority is given to the present rather than the past.

MP Pathirana demanded to know what will happen to the artifacts being found in excavations of the site and whether required attention and consideration would be paid by the constructors.

Minister Gunawardena said that a committee under the chairmanship of the Anuradhapura District Secretary had been appointed to take care of the site and its finds. This committee comprises of officials of the ministries of Sacred Area Development, Cultural Affairs and National Heritage and Urban Development. The issue raised by the JVP member would be presented to the committee, the minister said.