Ritigala monastic ruins upper boulder paths: wet moss traction and stone slab maintenance?

The 8th-century forest monastery ruins at Ritigala feature extensive stone-paved walkways, double-platforms (Padhanaghara), and monumental stone stairways ascending through wet boulder forest. The stairs are carved from massive gneiss slabs fitted without mortar. Because dense forest canopy blocks sunlight, the ancient stone steps are continuously coated in a slippery green film of wet moss and cyanobacteria. Hikers must wear footwear with deep rubber lugs; stepping onto unshaded stone edges prevents slipping during monsoonal drizzle.