Interim report proposes action against offenders

22 July 2020 05:31 pm

The interim report compiled by the committee appointed to probe over destruction of a building with archaeological value in Kurunegala, has proposed to take legal action against those responsible.

The interim report was handed over to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today by the head of the committee, Director General of Archaeology, Prof. Senarath Dissanayake.

The following recommendations have also been proposed through the interim report;

• The building should be conserved as soon as possible
• The building should be taken under the purview of the Department of Archaeology 
• To propose the Road Development Authority to revise the plan for expansion of this site
• To recover funds from those responsible to renovate the site

The committee headed by Director General of Archaeology was appointed on Friday to investigate the incident where an archaeological building in Kurunegala was allegedly bulldozed on July 14.

The Committee was appointed by the Buddhasasana, Cultural and Religious Affairs Ministry Secretary on a directive of subject minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The history of the building goes back to the thirteenth century of the Kurunegala Kingdom and was believed to be the King’s Assembly Hall at that time and is considered an archaeological reserve under the Antiquities Ordinance No.09 of 1940. (Sheain Fernandopulle)