December 09, Colombo (LNW): Dr. B. D. Nandadeva of Sri Lanka has been elected as an expert member of UNESCO’s Evaluation Body for the 2003 Convention on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) during the 19th session of the ICH Committee held in Asunción, Paraguay.
In a statement, the Sri Lankan Embassy in France confirmed that Dr. Nandadeva, a renowned cultural heritage scholar with more than four decades of experience, will serve on the prestigious body for a term of up to four years.
His extensive expertise includes in-depth knowledge of the ICH Intergovernmental Committee’s work and the complex process of inscription, making him a highly valuable addition to the Evaluation Body.
The ICH Evaluation Body, which is composed of twelve members, ensures broad global representation and covers a wide range of expertise.
This includes six state-nominated experts and six representatives from accredited non-governmental organisations, providing a balanced and diverse perspective on issues concerning cultural heritage.
The primary role of the ICH Evaluation Body is to assess and make recommendations regarding nominations for inclusion on UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
These lists include the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, as well as the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
The body’s work is critical to ensuring the protection of various living cultural traditions, such as oral histories, performing arts, rituals, festive practices, traditional crafts, and other community-specific practices that are considered integral to cultural identity.
Dr. Nandadeva’s election highlights Sri Lanka’s significant and ongoing contribution to global efforts in preserving intangible cultural heritage.
This recognition also underscores the international community’s respect for Sri Lanka’s active participation in UNESCO’s initiatives and its commitment to safeguarding cultural traditions worldwide.
With Dr. Nandadeva’s expertise, Sri Lanka is now better positioned to play a key role in shaping cultural policy and safeguarding practices at the international level.
The election process was facilitated by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the country’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, with assistance from Sri Lanka’s overseas diplomatic missions.
