Even Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Is in Danger Due to the Actions of Pallegama Hemarathana..!

“Tiles” Laid on the Sacred Sand Courtyard Without Archaeological Approval

The Sacred Bo Tree Is on the Verge of Death..!

Experts Warn of Serious Consequences

Buddhists Must Rise and Act

Here Is the Real Story..!

The sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, revered by Buddhists across the world and regarded as a national heritage treasure of Sri Lanka, is currently facing a severe threat to its survival, according to experts. They state that the danger has arisen due to the covering of the sacred sand courtyard surrounding the Bo Tree with terracotta tiles.

The issue was first brought to light by Professor Rangika Halwatura, a Senior Professor at the University of Moratuwa. He has also taken steps to inform the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthana, Palleගම Hemarathana Thero, regarding the engineering and technical concerns associated with the matter.

Professor Rangika Halwatura conducted an on-site study on the same day and informed the Director General of the Department of Archaeology about the issues identified. At the request of the Director General, he subsequently prepared and submitted a detailed report regarding the matter.

However, the professor states that further investigations are necessary, and technical equipment required for the study has already been imported from the United States. He further noted that permission has been sought from the Department of Archaeology to conduct the tests, and that advanced research activities will commence once approval is granted.

Professor Halwatura explains that laying terracotta tiles over the sandy surface prevents external heat from penetrating into the ground. As a result, the heat received from above does not dissipate downward, causing the upper surface layer to become significantly hotter than before. Consequently, major thermal distortions are created both above and beneath the Sacred Bo Tree. According to him, the tree will eventually be unable to withstand the impact of these distortions, which could ultimately lead to its death in the future.

Following his technical study, the professor prepared a twelve-page report presenting five key recommendations. The report states that reconsideration should be given to the use of perforated terracotta tiles in the sacred courtyard area adjacent to the tree, that a comprehensive environmental and thermal assessment should be conducted, and that consideration should be given to using permeable and thermally stable surface materials such as stabilized sand flooring or light-colored natural stone paving.

The report further recommends maintaining sufficient and open soil zones around the roots of the tree to support natural root processes, obtaining heritage-sensitive construction guidelines for any future activities around the sacred tree, and ensuring that no renovation or restoration work is carried out without obtaining proper authorization.

The Sacred Sri Maha Bodhi is recognized as an archaeological heritage site in Sri Lanka. Therefore, any renovation or restoration work carried out at such a location legally requires prior approval from the Department of Archaeology. However, according to Director General of Archaeology, Dr. Senarath Wickramasinghe, no approval had been obtained from the Department for the renovation work carried out on the sacred sand courtyard surrounding the Sri Maha Bodhi.

The Director General further stated that a report had been received from one party warning that the renovation could potentially damage the Sacred Bo Tree, and that recommendations had therefore been requested from the Royal Botanic Gardens Peradeniya, which oversees botanical expertise related to the tree’s preservation.

Dr. Senarath Wickramasinghe strongly emphasized that if the recommendations of the Royal Botanic Gardens Peradeniya reveal even minor damage to the Sacred Bo Tree, immediate steps will be taken to remove the relevant constructions.

The sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi currently falls under the custodianship of Palleගම Hemarathana Thero, who is presently out on bail under strict conditions following allegations related to child abuse.

Historical records state that on an Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day in the year 236 of the Buddhist Era, during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa, Sanghamitta Theri brought the southern branch of the Sacred Sri Maha Bodhi from India to Sri Lanka. The tree was subsequently planted in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura and is widely recognized as the oldest historically documented tree in the world planted by human hands. According to historical records, the sacred tree is more than 2,200 years old.