The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, various concerns have been raised regarding the CCF’s operations in recent times. In fact, an investigation through a committee is ongoing into alleged irregularities and unauthorized interventions. The CCF has been identified as an institution where improper use of funds occurred, and this case appears an extension of that trend.

¶ 02 There was a very rapid intervention to set up this museum: the official key handover from the Railways Department occurred on 2024.05.10, and within a few months, seven rounds of discussions were held, after which decisions were implemented quickly. It seems the priority was speed rather than thoughtful curation of historical heritage. Our observations indicate multiple irregularities. Nonetheless, we accept the need for a museum to showcase Sitawaka’s heritage; the responsibility now is to formalize and properly operate it. The CCF and the Department of Archaeology are prepared to assume that responsibility as expected by the Hon. Member.