President to appoint experts’ committee to study Sri Lanka’s Antiquities Ordinance

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has paid his attention to amend the Antiquities Ordinance in order to strengthen the preservation of antiquities and historical national heritage, says the President’s Media Division (PMD).

Accordingly, the President decided to appoint a committee comprising Maha Sangha and experts in the field to study how the amendments should take place.

The proposed amendment seeks to put an end to the destructions caused to antiquities that have been going on for a long time and to pass on the country’s heritage to the future generation while resolving practical issues.

This decision was taken by the President during the fourth meeting with the Buddhist Advisory Council held at the Presidential Secretariat today (24).

Archaeological conservation and development were discussed at length. President Rajapaksa noted that no room will be left for anyone to damage the historical heritage or archaeological value of any sacred place and all such places will be considered as national heritage and will be protected. Proposals by the Maha Sangha on antiquities and archaeological sites will be forwarded to the respective Presidential Task Force, President added.

He also stated that measures will be taken to increase annual fund allocation to the Department of Archaeology and to address the shortage of employees.

The possibility of obtaining the services of the Civil Defence Force in the implementation of programme of conserving archaeological sites and antiquities was also explored.  

The attention of the President was also drawn to the request made by the Maha Sangha to transfer the cases relating to the artefacts and historical places in the Northern and Eastern Province, to courts in Colombo.
 
President Rajapaksa instructed the Department of Archaeology to make swift responses to the requests made by Maha Sangha to protect the archaeological and historical sites.

Puravidya Chakrawarthy Ven Ellawala Medhananda Thero has highlighted the massive damage caused to the antiquities by treasure hunters. “During my 65-year explorations I did not find any valuables such as gold, silver or gems inside antiquities. Therefore, it is vital to impart the right knowledge to the people in order to protect them. Compilation of report on antiquities exploration and mapping is a priority. Legal action should be taken against those who distort history and circulate opinions without proper investigation” Ven. Medhananda Thero emphasized.

Anunakaya Thero of the Malwatta Chapter Most Ven. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thero emphasized the importance of amending the Antiquities Ordinance. The Thero was also of the view that steps should be taken to recruit those with the knowledge of the subject when filling vacancies at the Department of Archaeology.

The Antiquities Ordinance which was enacted during the colonial period looks only at antiquities, Anunayaka Thero of the Malwatta Chapter Most Ven. Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Thero said adding that it should be amended to conserve the national heritage and the legacy of Buddha Sasana.

Anunakaya Thero of the Asgiri Chapter Most Ven. Wendaruwe Upali Thero pointed out the importance of Maha Sangha engaged in depth study in the process of the said amendment. The Thero also highlighted the necessity of retaining the portfolio of the Culture under President or the Prime Minister.

Mahanayaka Thero of Shri Dharmarakshitha Sect of Amarapura Most Ven. Thrikunamalaye Ananda Thero said that other communities who destroy antiquities must understand it is not a matter of religious affiliation but a national heritage. The Thero explained the importance of teaching the value of antiquities since there are people who will understand it among other communities and extreme groups.