Jathika Namal Uyana declared a national heritage site

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake officially declared the Jathika Namal Uyana a "National Heritage of Sri Lanka" during a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon (26).

The declaration coincides with the 35th anniversary of the park’s introduction to the public.

Spanning 602 hectares in the Palagala Divisional Secretariat area of the Anuradhapura District, the park holds immense national, religious, and environmental significance.

Using online technology, the President unveiled the commemorative plaque to formalise the status at the request of the park's founder, Venerable Wanawasi Rahula Thera.

During the event, the President emphasised that preserving this unique environmental treasure for future generations is a collective national responsibility.

He also commended Venerable Rahula Thera for his three decades of dedication to protecting the site.

To mark the 35th anniversary, a First Day Cover issued by the Department of Posts and a scholarly publication titled ‘Jathika Namal Uyana Shastriya Sangrahaya’ were presented to the President.