By Ifham NIzam

The National Physical Planning Department would gazette 26 places of worship, across the country, as Sacred Places in 2023, the government Information Department announced on Thursday.Quoting the Urban Development and Housing Minister, Prasanna Ranatunga, the Information Department said that 16 places of worship were gazetted as sacred places in 2022.These gazettes are announced according to the criteria for declaring Sacred Places, the Minister said.

The approval of the Archaeology Department, as well as the Buddha Sasana Ministry, and the Survey Department, are essential for the gazetting of Sacred Places, the Information Department said.

Accordingly, Tissa Raja Maha Viharaya, Velgam Vehera Raja Maha Viharaya, Mahasen Raja Maha Viharaya, Medagoda Siddha Pattini Temple, Biyagama Sudharmarama Maha Viharaya, Papiliyana Sunethra Mahadevi Pirivena, Kambalawa Ambawa Sri Sudharmaramaya, Pilakatumulla Sri Pushparama Purana Viharaya, Kirimatiyana Sri Sudharmmawansharama Rajamaha Viharaya, Kappinna Maha Viharaya, Magalla Kachchiwatta Purana Raja Maha Viharaya, Buddhiyagama Seegala Raja Maha Viharaya, Gangodawila Sri Vijayarama Viharaya, Ratmalana Pushparamaya, Asgiriya Purana Raja Maha Viharaya, Madurawela Ballapitiya Vidyajasekara Pirivena, Pothuvil Muhudu Maha Viharaya, Mahasen Raja Maha Viharaya, Buduruvapaya Raja Maha Viharaya, historical ancient Habarana Tampita, Somavathiya Raja Maha Viharaya, Kandegama Dhannajaya Raja Maha Viharaya, Kandegama Namaluva Sinhagiri Raja Maha Viharaya, Bibila historical Piangala Raja Maha Viharaya, and Maniyamgama Raja Maha Vihara will be declared as scared places, through a gazette, this year, the Information Department said.