July 06, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is set to launch an ambitious national initiative to preserve 1,000 archaeological sites, with the programme officially commencing alongside Archaeology Week, which begins tomorrow (07).
Deputy Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake said all preparations for the project have now been completed. He explained that the initiative is intended to accelerate the identification, excavation, documentation and conservation of sites of archaeological and historical importance across the island.
The programme will be implemented in phases, with conservation work initially beginning at 100 selected locations during Archaeology Week. The remaining sites will be brought under the project in the coming stages as authorities expand preservation efforts nationwide.
A key feature of the initiative will be the formation of Community Conservation Committees in areas surrounding each identified site. The committees are expected to play an active role in safeguarding local heritage by working closely with the Department of Archaeology and encouraging greater public participation in conservation activities.
According to the Deputy Minister, the committees will be invited to submit recommendations on excavation priorities, research opportunities and restoration requirements at individual sites. Any proposed work will be carried out under the supervision and technical expertise of Department of Archaeology officials to ensure recognised conservation standards are maintained.
This year’s Archaeology Week will be held under the theme ‘Bringing Heritage to Life’, underscoring the Government’s focus on combining scientific conservation with stronger community involvement to protect Sri Lanka’s rich archaeological legacy.
Dissanayake acknowledged that public engagement in preserving archaeological sites has historically been limited, adding that the Government hopes the new approach will foster a greater sense of shared responsibility. He expressed confidence that closer cooperation between local communities and heritage authorities would strengthen efforts to protect historically significant sites and preserve them for future generations.