The “Cultural Tourism Heritage Management Project” of the Northwestern Project under the Central Cultural Fund was ceremonially launched on May 16, 2026, at Yapahuwa Raja Maha Viharaya under the blessings of the Maha Sangha of the area led by the Chief Incumbent, Venerable Nugaliyadde Samithananda Thero. The event was held under the patronage of Sunil Senevi, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. Thissa Warnasuriya, Governor of the North Western Province, and Namal Karunaratne, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, also attended the occasion along with the Chairman of the Mahawa Pradeshiya Sabha, regional political representatives, and heads of government institutions in the area. The primary objective of the project is to safeguard the historical and cultural heritage of the Yapahuwa Kingdom for future generations while developing infrastructure facilities capable of attracting both local and international tourists. As part of the project, excavation activities commenced in the western sector of the outer city area of the Yapahuwa archaeological complex. Conservation work on the outer rampart and expansion of the access pathway leading to the summit of the Yapahuwa rock fortress were also initiated. In addition, architectural and mural conservation work carried out at the cave temple of Yapahuwa Raja Maha Viharaya was formally handed over to the Chief Incumbent Thero. Among those present at the event were Senarath Wickramasinghe, Director General of Archaeology; Nilan Cooray, Director General of the Central Cultural Fund; Samitha Manawadu, North Western Conservation Director; Priyadarshana Udukumbura, Additional Director General; Sumedha Mathota, Director (Development); and Sajith Nuwan Wanasinghe, Project Manager of the North Western Project, together with site officers, other officials, staff members, and residents of the area.         WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.07.32 PM 1 WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.07.24 PM WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.07.30 PM WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.07.32 PM WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.07.33 PM WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.07.34 PM WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.07.36 PM 1 WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.07.36 PM WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.07.39 PM WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.07.41 PM WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.07.42 PM WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.07.43 PM WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.07.45 PM WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.07.50 PM WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.08.06 PM WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.08.02 PM WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.07.56 PM WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.07.54 PM WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.07.55 PM WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.07.52 PM WhatsApp Image 2026-05-16 at 10.08.11 PM