Lokupatabandige Janitha Harsha Premalal vs Prof. Anura Manathunga,Director General, Department of Archaeology, and others – CA Writ 0382/2022-2025

The petitioner, Lokupatabandige Janitha Harsha Premalal, sought a Writ of Mandamus to compel the Department of Archaeology (respondents) to unearth, inventory, protect, maintain, and display an ancient granite monument at Hiriwadunna Bodiya. The Department had covered the monument with soil for preservation, citing potential damage to a sacred Bo tree and offense to Buddhist religious susceptibilities if unearthed. The court dismissed the application, finding no sufficient grounds to override the Director General of Archaeology’s expert decision. A concurring judge further noted the petitioner’s suppressed motive to promote a new belief about the site being the ‘Vijarasana’ (Diamond Throne) where Buddha attained enlightenment, which could create fractions in Theravada Buddhism and violate