“This museum is housed in a building owned by the Department of Railway in Avissawella town, and built by the Central Cultural Fund, at a cost of Rs 50 million, with the Sri Lanka Navy providing the manpower,’ the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister further said, “This museum is a place where the information of natural history is handed down to future generations. Kings Rajasinghe and Mayadunne of Seethawaka, who defeated the Western imperialist armies, that had the strength to invade the world, were the Sri Lankan leaders who challenged the world.

The Dutch came to our country first. Although some of their names and surnames were taken, their language was not learnt. After that, when the Portuguese came, the language spread a bit and a few names and surnames were taken, but the language was not learnt in depth, hence their language disappeared from Sri Lanka.

We are proud to have defeated the first Emperor of the world. The English government came later. The Portuguese came first. Even when white people came to this country, we were a developed nation in every way. We are a developed nation, even if we later surrendered. Our ancient people had taken steps to trade the country’s natural resources with the people of the world through rivers and ferries. These two war hero statesmen successfully fought for our freedom, thwarting the efforts of those who came to find them and acquired even more. Not only war heroism, but the process that entered into various fields of strategy and governance, which has not been studied yet. We did not want to do such a deep study at that time.

Seethawaka is one of the periods that we can be proud of, in our country’s history. This museum is part of that pride. The pride of that history is now to Seethawaka Urban Council. These Professors have brought that gem of pride to you…”

Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana addressing those present, said,

“Today is a day of historical significance for the town of Seethawaka. We offer our respect and thanks to all those who have contributed to the establishment of such a museum, so that, future generations of children and students can witness the work done by the Kingdom of Seethawaka to proceed in the way through country’s long history. As the Minister for Transport, I am also happy to contribute to the issue of finding a place to build the museum. A Cabinet paper was submitted for the transfer of this ancient building and land belonging to the Railway Department. Through that, this land and building could be provided for these noble tasks.”

Minister Vidura Wickramanayake and MP Yadamini Gunawardena also addressed those present.

A large gathering including the Maha Sangha, Christian, Muslim and Hindu priests, MP Sudath Manjula, CCF Director General Professor Gamini Ranasinghe, Ministry Secretaries, and officials from the field of Archaeology participated in this event.