(COLOMBO) – A Sri Lankan former Mayor and four others were jailed for three years on Thursday for their role in the destruction and removal of an ancient site in the north-western city of Kurunegala some three years ago.
Former Kurunegala Mayor Thushara Sanjeewa Vitharana, Municipal Commissioner, Engineer and two others were found guilty over the demolishing of the Buwaneka Hotel, a building with a historical value which dates back to the 13th century and is presumed to be the Court of an ancient King known as Buwanekabahu II.
Former Mayor Vitharana had demolished the building in order to create a road development project. He told court that the Road Development Authority (RDA) had given its approval for the demolition.
The Department of Archaeology had however informed court that the archaeological site has been listed under the provisions of the Antiquities Ordinance No. 9 of 1940.
The former Mayor is known to have enjoyed a wide range of political patronage during the tenure of the former Government that was administered by the Rajapakse family.
Apart from that, Vitharana was also the right hand man of a senior former Minister who is also a resident of the same area and owner of several liquor distilleries in the country.
