New boards put up by Archeological Dept at contested Kurunthurmalai linking with Mahavamsa

ITAK MP T. Ravindran is seen inspecting new billboards that were put up recently providing historical background with Mahavamsa. 

New bill boards, proving archeological history linking with Mahavamsa were put up at contested religious site of Kurunthurmalai (Kurundi in Sinhala) at Thannimurippu, Mullaithivu this week, locals alleged. 

Titled as ‘ Kurundi Archaeological Site’, the board provides historical background claiming ancient Sinhala kings built and patronized the Buddhist monks by constructing a monastery in the region. 

Ilankai Thamil Arasu katchchi (ITAK) Parliamentarian T. Ravindran alleged this an ill thought attempt by Archaeological Department to rewrite the history of the place, where majority of the residents are Tamils. 

Four such billboards were fixed around the disputed shrine. 

MP Raviharan claimed Tamil people lived for centuries in Thannimurippu region where they worshiped Aathi Sivan Iyanaar temple, located on top of the mountain. 

He also alleged displaced Tamil people from the village are yet to be resettled and at least 300 acres of agricultural land belong to Tamil people were marked as property of the department by erecting boundary stones despite protest by local farmers. 

‘Those lands should be released immediately and our displaced people from Thannimurippu should be resettled in their own lands ,”  he stressed. (Northeastern Monitor/October 16/2025)