RATNAPURA REGIONAL OFFICE

The Ratnapura Regional Office of the Department of Buddhist Affairs was initially established on October 11, 1982, with a staff of four, at the Sirivishuddharamaya Temple in Muvagama, Ratnapura. Subsequently, it was relocated to the Ratnapura District Secretariat complex, where the Regional Office is currently located, on June 15, 1985.

Key Functions of the Ratnapura Regional Office of Buddhist Affairs

The office is responsible for implementing the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance No. 19 of 1931 across the districts of Ratnapura, Monaragala, Badulla, and four Divisional Secretariat Divisions in the Kegalle District. The managed places of worship are categorized as follows:

• Assisting the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs in exercising the powers vested in him under the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance No. 19 of 1931 and its subsidiary legislation.

• Specifically, assisting in the control and protection of the land, finances, and assets of places of worship under the management of Section 4(1) of the Ordinance, and making provisions for their safeguarding.

• Taking necessary steps to protect the Sanghika (Order-owned) property belonging to places of worship managed under Section 4(2) of the Ordinance.

• Providing necessary guidance and cooperation for the upliftment and administration of the places of worship controlled by the Ordinance in the Ratnapura, Monaragala, and Badulla Districts.

• Providing necessary accurate guidance while preserving the ancient components/features of the places of worship.

• Making necessary provisions and conducting follow-ups to ensure the proper management and utilization of the property belonging to the places of worship.

• Providing guidance and cooperation to protect religious and cultural aspects.