Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Vidura Wickramanayaka says that Prof. Anura Manatunga had informed the Ministry Secretary that he will be stepping down from his post as Director General of Archeology.

It is said that the resignation comes after the President had recently told Prof. Manatunga at a meeting that the latter should resign if unable to carry out orders given by himself as the President.

After identifying a 200-acre land with archaeological remains belonging to the historical Kurundi Maha Viharaya of Mullaitivu, which depicts the early Anuradhapura era, the Director General of Archeology has requested the Surveyor General to survey the land.It is said that there are over 05 acres of paddy land in the identified area.

On June 08, during a meeting held by the President at the President’s Secretariat, the President had ordered the release of these paddy fields to the people. Responding, Prof. Manatunga has pointed out that he is unable to do so according to the laws falling under the Archeology Ordinance.It is said that while the Department of Archeology was working to separate the ancient ruins after a scientific exploration, ownership was claimed for only 05 acres of the paddy fields.

According to sources, the owner (who is said to be the owner of paddy fields spanning across over 100 acres), had also been initially prepared to donate the said 05 acres to the Archeology Department.