The National Building Research Organisation has issued warnings that the historical Pahiyangala Cave situated in the Kalutara district is at risk of a landslide. The officials attached to the institute issued the warning after they observed a crack in the cave wall. 21 persons were buried alive in the recent landslide which occurred on the left side of the cave. Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam visited the cave recently, which has been threatened with landslide.
The Minister after observing the present situation of the premises and also after considering the information revealed at the discussions held with the subject experts instructed the relevant officers to call for a multi-disciplinary report about the historical Pahiyangala. Accordingly, the measures have been taken to obtain this report immediately connecting the experts from several subjects such as Archaeology, Engineering, Architecture and Geology. This report is scheduled to be taken by experts on subjects such as Archaeology, Engineering, Architecture and Geology. The lives of nearly 30 monks who live at a nearby temple have also been endangered due to a possible landslide. The Minister has instructed the Director of Central Cultural Fund, Professor Parishantha Gunawardana to make necessary arrangements to construct a temporary lodging for the protection of these monks as warnings have been issued by the relevant sections.
It is a national duty to protect and conserve the historical Pahiyangala cave for the future generation. It is famous as the largest natural cave in Sri Lanka and having 58,000 years of prehistoric heritage. The Minister has emphasized that the connected conservation work must be started drawing full attention to the protection of this site which has a wide recognition locally and internationally which is of tourist, historical and archaeological value.