A probe is scheduled to be launched immediately into the recent incident where the Avukana Buddha statue had been adorned with a saffron robe. Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickremanayake has ordered a probe into the incident.
It is a legally punishable offence to alter the existing character of a statue of archaeological value in any manner, according to the Archaeological Department.
The iconic Avukana Buddha statue which was built during the Anuradhapura kingdom era has a significantly special place among the Standing Buddha Statues in Sri Lanka, being the largest ancient statue in standing position.
Sri Lankan history reveals that King Dhathusena created this Buddha statue which faces the Kala Wewa reservoir also built by the King in the Fifth Century AD.
The Avukana Buddha Statue is a marvel due to the elaborately carved fine robe on the statue.
A probe has been ordered to be conducted after visuals started emerging on social media of a group attempting to put on a robe on the Avukana Buddha statue which is worshipped by both local and foreign devotees.
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