Sri Lanka’s Dr. B. D. Nandadeva has been elected as an expert to the prestigious Evaluation Body of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). The election took place at the 19th Session of the ICH Committee Meeting in Asunción, Paraguay.
Dr. Nandadeva, a distinguished cultural heritage scholar with over four decades of experience, will serve a four-year term on the ICH Evaluation Body. His expertise in the work of the ICH Intergovernmental Committee and the inscription process positions him as a valuable asset to this global body.
The ICH Evaluation Body consists of 12 members, divided equally between state-nominated experts and representatives of accredited non-governmental organizations. This composition ensures diverse geographic and sectoral expertise.
The Body plays a crucial role in evaluating and recommending nominations for the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding and the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These lists highlight and protect living traditions such as oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, and traditional craftsmanship, recognized by communities as integral to their cultural identity.
Dr. Nandadeva’s election underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting global cultural heritage. His involvement will enable Sri Lanka to play a significant role in the preservation and celebration of the world’s intangible cultural traditions.
