Minister vows legal action against those who removed directional signboards at archaeology sites in Batticaloa

Colombo, Nov. 23 (Daily Mirror)- Claiming that a certain group has removed the directional signboards erected by the Archaeology Department to archaeology sites in the Batticaloa district, Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said that legal action will be taken against those involved in the act.

In a special statement, the Minister said that the Archaeology Department started erecting the signboards to the archaeology sites from November 3, 2025 as a routine project of the Department and that it is not a new or sudden initiative.

“We heard that a certain group has removed and taken away these legally erected signboards, which are public property. Removal of these boards have been reported in four locations,” he said.

The Minister said two complaints were lodged by the Archaeology Department with the Valaichchenai and Kokkadicholai Police Stations regarding the incident.

He said after being informed of the incident, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has instructed the police to conduct a proper investigation and implement the law against those responsible.

“It is the responsibility of the government to take care of archaeological sites and that responsibility lies with the Archaeology Department. The Archaeology Department is not required to obtain permission from Local Government institutions to erect these boards. It is clear that there is a political motive behind the removal of these boards. People in the area do not support these moves”, he said.