Archaeology Department abolition claims have sparked concern that a proposed National Heritage Authority could endanger sites in Sri Lanka’s North and East.
The Archaeology Department abolition reportedly being considered by the Government could place Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage and archaeological sites at serious risk, the National Organizations Unity has claimed.
The organisation says legislation is being drafted to replace the Department of Archaeology with a new National Heritage Authority.
Dr. Wasantha Bandara, an Executive Committee member of the Unity, said the proposed structure could weaken the role of experienced archaeological officers.
He claimed that other appointees could replace officials with senior internal archaeological expertise once the new Authority is established.
According to Bandara, that could particularly endanger archaeological sites in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
Speaking further, he said information had reached members of the Maha Sangha about alleged moves affecting archaeological conservation in the North and East.
“Information has been received by the Maha Sangha that steps are being taken to please the people of Jaffna in the Northern Province, specifically to abolish an archaeological site, remove it from the national heritage foundation, and destroy archaeological conservation in the North and East,” he said.
Bandara also referred to a recent meeting chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
He alleged that several statements made there were intended to satisfy people in the North.
He further claimed that the Government was facing pressure from sections of the Northern diaspora.
Bandara said his organisation had previously alleged that MPs Chanakyan and Sumanthiran visited the Archaeology Department several times, including after normal office hours, and held discussions there.
He claimed those discussions concerned possible changes to archaeological records relating to the Northern and Eastern Provinces and amendments to the Department’s recruitment procedures.
The National Organizations Unity argues that the situation could worsen if the Government proceeds with the Archaeology Department abolition and creates a National Heritage Authority in its place.
“We are completely opposed to it,” Bandara said.
The claims remain allegations made by the organisation, but they have added to a wider debate over how archaeological sites, religious heritage and administrative control should be handled in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
