The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, I hope to conclude this matter with a brief clarification. I explained the scope and operation of the Antiquities Ordinance and how we respond, not to give a lesson but to clarify our response framework. Framing it otherwise only serves to distance you from us—let us not do that. Hon. Rasamanickam, please let me finish.

¶ 02 [Chair: Hon. Minister, finish your answer. Do not go into a debate.]

¶ 03 This is not about cordiality; it is about addressing matters with an open mind. Even as a Minister who has sought Cabinet approval to amend the Antiquities Ordinance and the Central Cultural Fund Act due to constraints in the existing legal framework, I intend to resolve these issues without friction.

¶ 04 Some points can be misleading. Why debate lighting camphor at an archaeological site, Hon. Member? We must not set religion against heritage protection. These are historic sites for all of us. Why do we prohibit flash photography at the Sigiriya frescoes? Because these are national heritages that must bear that responsibility. It is the duty of the present Government to safeguard them for every community and every religion. I reiterate that I am proceeding with an open mind. Instructions have been given to the Department of Archaeology regarding Nelukal—

¶ 05 [Interruption by the Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam.]

¶ 06 Hon. Speaker, may I ask a brief question?

¶ 07 [Chair: Hon. Minister, conclude your answer.]

¶ 08 I will conclude. Please inquire into the very questions you asked us. Find out when those shops were built, and who granted approvals. Finally, I kindly request— we are carrying out our duties properly.

¶ 09 [Chair: Hon. Minister, please conclude.]

¶ 10 We act strictly according to the law. For the rest, we act with understanding, and we are ready to build that understanding together. Proposing that we work well together, I conclude my Answer.

¶ 11 Thank you.