A preliminary discussion on developing the historic Ridi Viharaya in the Kurunegala district into a tourist destination was held at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday afternoon.
The President’s Media Division said the meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs Namal Sudarshana and Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, according to Hiru News.
Talks focused on drawing up development plans centred on the temple while safeguarding its ancient identity and the surrounding ecosystem. The PMD said it was decided to formulate those plans within a short period, involving the relevant parties, before development work begins.
Who took part
The meeting was attended by the Chief Incumbent and Custodian of the Ridi Vihara, Most Venerable Tibbatuwawe Buddharakkitha Nayake Thera, and Venerable Ridigama Wanaratana Thera, along with members of the Maha Sangha, Member of Parliament M. K. M. Aslam, officials and stakeholders from the tourism sector.
The site
Ridi Viharaya — the “Silver Temple” — sits at Ridigama in the Kurunegala district and dates to the second century BCE. Tradition holds that the silver ore discovered there funded the construction of the Ruwanwelisaya in Anuradhapura during the reign of King Dutugemunu, and the temple was endowed in gratitude.
The complex is built into and beneath a large rock outcrop, and is known for its image house, Kandyan-period murals and a floor set with Dutch delft tiles. It remains an active place of worship.
The emphasis on protecting the site’s identity and ecosystem reflects a recurring tension in heritage tourism, where visitor infrastructure has to be weighed against the character of a living religious site. No budget, timeline or scope of works has been announced.
