Srilanka, May 24 -- An archaeological excavation programme is to be executed in the historic Ritigala monastery archaeologically important ruins located on the Eastern side of the mountain at the foot of the gorge which separates the main peak from the Northern ridge of the range.

Buddha Sasana Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi inaugurated the archaeological excavations at Banda Pokuna, an ancient man-made reservoir, a feat of engineering skills with a bund of polygonal plan completing in a circumference of 366 metres. According to chronicles, the Banda Pokuna was built by King Pandukabhaya (437-367 BC).

It is learnt that this reservoir possibly served a ritual bathing purpose with visitors bathing there...