The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, there is nothing to debate about the Hon. Member’s initial point. As I stated, 38 temples were mentioned as a target number, but no such permissions have been granted.

¶ 02 5. A land of 78 acres at Kurundikulam has been declared an archaeological protected monument area, and the Kurundikulam archaeological site has been declared an archaeological reserve. In addition, a further 229 acres with dispersed archaeological evidence in the surrounding area is proposed to be re-gazetted. Since these lie outside the Kurundikulam archaeological reserve, the Department of Archaeology has not intervened in activities there.

¶ 03 Mr. Speaker, when matters about fishing in that tank and fisheries activities are raised, the Department of Archaeology is unfairly drawn into the discussion. However, the Department of Archaeology has no dealings regarding that tank. The ownership of that tank lies under other legal regimes such as irrigation or similar. We set out these matters with great care. We want both communities to be able to develop these places.

¶ 04 6. The Vedukkunar Malai archaeological site, located within a forest reserve, is in the process of being declared an archaeological reserve.

¶ 05 There are distinctions in terminology, Hon. Member: a “reserved area” is one thing; a “gazetted monument” is another. A monument gazetted on private land is yet another category. There are fine distinctions between these.

¶ 06 The monuments at that site have been identified as Buddhist monuments. Based on the content of the cave inscriptions dating to the 2nd–1st century BCE, this is confirmed. Since there have been unauthorized constructions in the vicinity of this archaeological precinct, various problems have arisen, as I mentioned earlier. The Department of Archaeology has already initiated legal action. These unauthorized constructions have harmed the archaeological landscape. That concept—archaeological landscape—is very important. It refers to the need to preserve the setting within a certain defined distance around a monument. Sigiriya is not only the rock itself; its landscape is integral to it. The Sigiriya forest bears ownership to Sigiriya, so to speak, through the landscape. We are bound to protect it, among other reasons because it is a World Heritage site. Therefore, we proceed with utmost caution. That said, anyone may perform religious observances at these places. However, no damage or adverse impact shall be caused to archaeological material. Destruction, defacement, displacement or alteration of antiquities is an offence under the Antiquities Ordinance.

¶ 07 In conclusion, conservation and maintenance of archaeological monuments safeguard heritage that belongs to all communities. As I said earlier, it is national heritage—belonging to all peoples. The term “national” must be taken in its broadest sense. However, no one may act in contravention of the Antiquities Ordinance. The strength of that law often creates friction with the general public, Mr. Speaker. You present those observations. I hope to work well and broadly on these matters. I appreciate your observations; they are important.

¶ 08 Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.