Illegal constructions in Sigiriya halted

(May 24, 2010) The Director General of the Department of Archaeology of Sri Lanka Dr. Senarath Disanayaka has instructed the Central Cultural Fund officials to suspend the controversial constructions in world heritage site Sigiriya.

Media and activists criticized the construction of a system of sewage with toilets and latrines near the ancient lion’s mouth entrance to the rock fortress. The Director General of Archeology suspended the construction until a re-evaluation is carried out regarding the construction plan. He said that the construction was approved following a series of consultation of relevant authorities and experts.

The construction of Central Cultural Fund cafeteria was permanently halted by the Director General, Department sources said.

These decisions were taken when the Director General visited Sigiriya yesterday with his officials.
Sigiriya is a rock fortress with beautiful paintings and graffiti belonged to a time as far as 5th century AD and it is one of the major tourist attractions of the island.

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Ancient city wall of Polonnaruwa damaged by earth removing machines

(April 20, 2010) The ancient city wall of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka has been damaged by certain elements in a development activity in the heritage city.

Reports from Polonnaruwa said that the damage to the city wall has been done by construction machinery that was deployed in laying water supply tubes.

The foundation and the brick layers of the ancient city wall have been damaged by the earth removing machines, said Dr. Senarath Disanayaka, the Director General of the Archaeological Department.

The wall which was said to have been built by King Parakramabahu the Great to protect the city was destroyed by an organized group using backhoes. More than 200 metres of the wall was destroyed during the last two days.

Due permission of the Archaeological Department has not been obtained for this construction, said the Director General adding that the Department will conduct an investigation regarding the incident.

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