The Hon. Ananda Wijepala

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, in Valachchenai and Kokkaddicholai, it was not archaeology site markers that were removed by local councils; only directional and route boards to archaeological sites were taken down. There are Pradeshiya and District Development Committees—if there is any issue, it should be discussed with the Department of Archaeology officials there. The Department legally erected those direction/sign boards; removing them is unlawful. We are taking legal action and the courts will decide. We are always ready to discuss and resolve issues. All communities must live together. The President consistently emphasizes this. But removing boards sends the wrong message. Those lands are not owned by local councils; this is not about land ownership, just signboards indicating routes to archaeological lands. About 110 name/direction boards were lawfully installed. No one has the legal authority to remove them. While we will not permit nationalist or religious incitement by any side, we stand ready to discuss matters with you.