PTF will conserve and preserve all archaeological sites in East: Defence Secretary

10 June 2020 02:06 pm - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Archaeological Heritage Management in the Eastern Province has been tasked to conserve all archaeological heritage sites in the Eastern Province irrespective of religion, Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne said.

Addressing the members of the PTF on Archaeological Heritage Management in the Eastern Province, at their inaugural meeting at the Defence Ministry today, the Defence Secretary, who is the Chairman of the PTF, requested all Sri Lankans irrespective of their race, religion and other differences to support the PTF to preserve Sri Lanka‟s historical heritage in the Eastern Province for future generations.

“We have many historical archaeological sites in the Eastern Province and many are under threat due to different reasons, today. The Government wants to conserve and restore these sites irrespective of the religion or ethnic group that they belong to as they are national heritage sites,” he said.

The Defence Secretary said the PTF would work closely with all the ethnic groups in the Eastern Province to restore and manage those historical archaeological sites.

The members of the PTF discussed matters related to planning and implementation of its tasks. During the discussion, the members representing different establishments agreed upon sharing knowledge and mutual cooperation with a view to bringing everyone into one grid in implementing the PTF‟s mandate.

The 11-member PTF is given the task of identifying sites of archaeological importance in the Eastern Province, identifying and implementing an appropriate program for the management of archaeological heritage by conserving and restoring such identified sites and antiquities, identifying the extent of land that should be allocated for such archaeological sites and take necessary measures to allocate them properly and legally and preserving the cultural value of sites of archaeological importance and promoting the uniqueness of Sri Lanka, both locally and internationally and making recommendations to promote such heritage.

The PTF members during the meeting emphasized the importance of getting the support of local communities whose knowledge and information on the sites would be of significance to conserve them. They also agreed to initiate viable options in conserving and restoring archaeological and heritage sites already identified as a stepping stone of the PTF‟s work on the ground while simultaneously utilizing available resources in
discovering more sites in the Eastern Province.

A decision was arrived at creating a database of archaeological sites with the inclusion of geo-spatial data enabling effective and transparent implementation in preservation and conservation efforts.

The PTF members - Purawidya Chakravarthi Ven. Ellawala Medhananda thero, Chief Prelate for the Eastern and Northern Provinces Ven. Panamure Thilakawansha thero, Governor Eastern Province Anuradha Yahampath, Director General of Archaeology Dr. Senarath Bandara Dissanayake, Land Commissioner General Chandra Herath, Surveyor General A.L.S.C. Perera, Prof. Raj Kumar Somadeva, Prof. Kapila Gunawardena, Senior DIG Western Province Deshabandu Thennakoon, Provincial Land Commissioner, Eastern Province H.E.M.W.G. Dissanayake, Chairman of Derana Media Network Dilith Jayaweera and Senior Assistant Secretary to the President Jeevanthie Senanayake were present in the meeting.

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Comments - 14

vithura Wednesday, 10 June 2020 03:09 PM

If it was in respect archaeological sites of all religions, why there is not a single representative of Hinduism that is the most ancient of all religions in Sri Lanka, is it driven by the numbers game to 'hide' the truth?

Jeeves Wednesday, 10 June 2020 09:17 PM

It is the Buddhist sites that are at risk; fact, not fiction!

Martin Milton Wednesday, 10 June 2020 05:46 PM

WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER SACRED HISTORIC BUDDHIST SITES IN THE NORTHERN PROVINCE NW, CENTRAL AND NE PROVINCES?? PLEASE take steps to resurrect ALL these sacred sites and protect them forever...MM

Sunil Perera Wednesday, 10 June 2020 06:18 PM

Iinicialy all archeological sites should be provided security.They should be handed over to the Archeological Department. All sites should be properly documented.At any time should be easily visited by authorities specially by forces.As all sites are Buddhists archeological sites selected monks should be assigned for strengthening the programme. Buddhists families should be settled around these sites

Sa Thursday, 11 June 2020 07:00 AM

To continue this effort in same vigor for future your proposals need to initiate

Fizi Wednesday, 10 June 2020 06:39 PM

The northern and eastern province consists of a population largely based on two ethnic groups namely the Tamils and the Muslims . Why haven’t the task force been included with a single member of such ethnicity. Such glaring omissions makes one feel suspicion of the real intention.

civilian. ontrol Wednesday, 10 June 2020 07:45 PM

This job should be doneb by the Department of Archeology. Even in countries with military regimes the milirary doesnt get itself In every thing.

raj Wednesday, 10 June 2020 08:08 PM

May be Hitler would have said that his forces would protect all citizens including Jewish while conducting genocide on Jewish before the second world war.

Ronnie Bugger Wednesday, 10 June 2020 09:27 PM

The man seems to be more interest in affairs outside the purview of his job responsibility. Suggest he concentrates on the drug menace. Let him inform the general public what is happening to all those drug detection's so far.

Dee Thursday, 11 June 2020 06:10 AM

Now now Mr. Secretary. Have you forgotten Covid19? , Underworld, drug menace etc. Controlling protests. Must not loose focus.

Ups Thursday, 11 June 2020 07:07 AM

Gen.Kamal is the right person to lead such kind of issues,he went there ,saw his own, he will correct it fair legal way.land grabbers may try to make a sound ,but people of the country have trust on him,

Murshid idroos Thursday, 11 June 2020 07:30 AM

Military is under the commabd of the legislature but in Sri lanka all things going topsy turvy upside down n we are made a luaghing stock Disaster for the country

Antony Jude Thursday, 11 June 2020 08:27 AM

Tamil speaking community is majority in the east but no representative from them. This is yours and your boss's law. Tamil Hindus have so many archaeological sites in Anuradhapura and Polanaruwa. Can we have a PTF only with Tamil representatives to preserve the archaeological sites in these districts????

Siv Thursday, 11 June 2020 08:45 AM

These sites and ancient Hindu Religion sites... you will see evidence... the history coming from King Ravana The Illangai King...

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PTF will conserve and preserve all archaeological sites in East: Defence Secretary

Comments - 14

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