Nearly Half of Sri Lanka’s Ancient Sites Still Lack Legal Protection, CoPA Warns

January 13, Colombo (LNW): Parliament’s Committee on Public Accounts (CoPA) has expressed serious concern that a significant number of Sri Lanka’s archaeological locations remain without formal legal recognition, leaving them vulnerable to encroachment and damage.

During recent deliberations, the Committee noted that close to half of the country’s known archaeological sites have yet to be gazetted, a delay it described as unacceptable given the importance of safeguarding national heritage.

COPA has instructed the relevant authorities to submit a comprehensive report within one month, clearly identifying which sites have already been gazetted and which remain outside the legal framework.

The issue was taken up at a parliamentary session reviewing the Auditor General’s findings for 2021, 2022 and 2023, alongside an assessment of the current operations and effectiveness of the Department of Archaeology.

In addition, the Committee has called for detailed information on sites earmarked for possible nomination as UNESCO World Heritage locations. This report is expected to include supporting documentation and progress updates, reflecting COPA’s view that greater urgency and transparency are needed in protecting and promoting Sri Lanka’s archaeological legacy.

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