The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs

¶ 01 Answer:

¶ 02 (a) (i) The present Maduwanwela Walawwa is the result of long-term development by the Maduwanwela lineage. The earliest residence, a wattle-and-daub structure with thatch, dates from before 1700 A.D.; after 1700 it was developed into a lime-plastered, tiled Walawwa. Successive chiefs of the Maduwanwela family expanded it over time, with construction completed on 1905.01.01.

¶ 03 (ii) The lineage and the Walawwa have a history from the 16th century to the early 20th century. Owing to its architectural, archaeological, and mosaic-art features, it has a distinctive place in our history; its historical context is of significance.

¶ 04 (iii) It was handed over to the Department of Archaeology on 1978.10.18.

¶ 05 (iv) The owners at the time of takeover were Mr. F.P. Ilangakon and Mr. L.C. Seneviratne.

¶ 06 (v) According to Village Plan No. 883 and Survey Plan No. 1699 dated 1975.08.31, an extent of 13 acres, 3 roods, 13 perches together with the Walawwa was handed over.

¶ 07 (vi) As per the letter dated 1986.05.12 by the Ratnapura Government Agent to the Commissioner of Archaeology, an assessed sum of Rs. 85,500 was paid to the owners.

¶ 08 (b) (i) The initial vesting was by Extraordinary Gazette No. 252/18 dated 1983.07.08, by which Lot No. 104 of Block No. 7 in Extract No. 883 of the Village Plan was vested in the State. By Gazette No. 1113 dated 1999.12.31, a protection buffer zone of 400 yards around the Maduwanwela Walawwa building was declared.

¶ 09 By Gazette No. 1455 dated 2006.07.21, “Maduwanwela Walawwa and its premises — G.P. 883, Supplement No. 4, the portion shown as Lot No. 104” with an extent of 7 acres, 0 roods, 23 perches, was declared an Archaeological Reserve.

¶ 10 (ii) No subsequent amendments were made to the Gazette vesting or to the Archaeological Reserve declaration.

¶ 11 (iii) The Gazette numbers and dates are as stated above.

¶ 12 (iv)-(v) There is a discrepancy between the extent handed over in 1978 (13a 3r 13p) and the extent declared as an Archaeological Reserve in 2006 (7a 0r 23p), i.e., a difference of 6 acres, 1 rood, 30 perches.

¶ 13 (vi) Correspondence and joint meetings have been held among the Department of Archaeology, Kolonna Divisional Secretariat, Land Reform Commission, Department of Survey, and the then Ministry of National Heritage. However, a final decision has not yet been reached.

¶ 14 (c) Not applicable.