Cracks on Jetavanarama Stupa won't affect dome -Experts

COLOMBO (News1st); An expert committee said it was able to minimise the spread of cracks on the Jetavanarama Stupa.

The committee said the spread of cracks was limited to 3mm this year.

The cracks on the Stupa were first discovered in 2016, where several cracks were observed extending from the square chamber or hathares kotuwa, to the dome or garbhaya.

Remedial measures were taken thereafter.

A committee comprising university professors and experts from several institutes including the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) and National Building Research Organization (NBRO) was appointed for this purpose, and its members submitted recommendations to minimise the cracks on the Stupa, on a voluntary basis.

Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayaka also engaged in an observational tour of the Jetavanarama Stupa on Tuesday (02).

The expert committee members informed the Minister that the dome of the Stupa will not be affected due to the cracks.

Considered to be the largest brick monument in the world, the Jetavanarama Stupa was built by King Mahasena who reigned in Anuradhapura.