Srilanka, May 21 -- The excavation of the historic Banda Pond at the Ritigala Archaeological Reserve officially began on May 20, under the patronage of Minister of Buddhism, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.

The event was also attended by Dr. Nilan Cooray, Director General of the Central Cultural Fund, Sumedha Mathota, Director (Development), Venerable Godamune Pangnaseeha Thero, Assistant Director of the Ritigala Project, and several other officials.

The excavation, which is expected to take four years to complete, focuses on a site with significant biological, archaeological, and architectural value.

Located within the Ritigala Archaeological Reserve, the ancient Banda Pond forms part of a historically rich ...