Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
Last Updated : 2024-04-30 01:14:00
Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne said yesterday that tough action will be taken against those vandalizing and encroaching archaeological and historic sites.
He made this remark during his visit to Muhudu-Maha Viharaya and Deegawapiya archaeological sites in the Ampara district yesterday where he pledged to protect and preserve archaeological and historic sites from vandalism and encroachments by individuals and organised groups.
The visit was in response to recent main stream and social media news reports of widespread and unprecedented encroachments and vandalism of several archaeological and historical sites in the country.
Following instructions of the Defence Secretary, a naval sub-unit has been established to maintain the security in the environs of the Muhudu Maha Viharaya, an ancient Buddhist temple in Pottuvil.
He said encroachment taking in the Viharaya land would not be allowed and informed the Chief Incumbent of the temple Ven. Warakapola Indratissa Thera, who briefed the situation in the area, that a meeting would be arranged with the relevant authorities to discuss the issues, soon.
Ven Indratissa Thera informed the Defence Secretary that the land area of 72 acres declared in 1951 by the then Commissioner General of Archaeology Senarath Paranawitana was reduced to 32 acres by a gazette notification in 1965.
“There are 42 families in the land now and they are encroaching the remaining temple land,” he said requesting the Defence Secretary to solve the issue urgently.
The top defence delegation toured in the surrounding areas of Muhudu-Maha Viharaya and Deegawapiya, on instructions given by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rakapaksa.
“Damages to national heritages, intended or otherwise, will not be tolerated and all possible actions will be taken within the existing law to bring the culprits to book,” the Defence Secretary said.
He reiterated the national treasures - the archaeological and historical sites- would be protected and preserved irrespective of the religion and ethnicity for the benefit of the country’s future generation.
“Sri Lanka has been experiencing an increase in vandalizing and also encroaching those sites by certain individuals and groups during the last few years. It is unfortunate to learn that some people are damaging those sites and also encroaching some of the important religious sites in the presence of the law enforcement,” he claimed.
Eastern province Governor Anuradha Yahampath, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, Acting IGP C. D. Wickramaratne, and Security Forces Commander (East) Maj. Gen. Rasika Fernando also visited these sites with the Defence Secretary.
Sando Friday, 15 May 2020 01:17 PM
Very Good. Please help in protecting our National Parks as well.
Baila Joker Friday, 15 May 2020 01:17 PM
Is this guy living in the same country? We cannot afford food in Srilanka
Citizen SL Friday, 15 May 2020 01:37 PM
Long overdue!!
Ascot Dexter Friday, 15 May 2020 08:18 PM
Its encumbered upon the Government or Gov't agencies to look after the cultural sites
Nihal ranasinha Friday, 15 May 2020 11:46 PM
Thanks for opening eyes I hope this time government will protect this historical place for our second generation
Sinna Saturday, 16 May 2020 12:54 PM
Some religious cults purposely dameging ancient but not their religious places such as happened in Syria
Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.
Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
US authorities are currently reviewing the manifest of every cargo aboard MV
On March 26, a couple arriving from Thailand was arrested with 88 live animal
According to villagers from Naula-Moragolla out of 105 families 80 can afford
Is the situation in Sri Lanka so grim that locals harbour hope that they coul