The Central Cultural Fund (CCF) is set to launch awareness campaigns targeting Sri Lankans, with domestic tourists visiting Sigiriya Rock being primarily responsible for the significant damage incurred.
CCF Director General Prof. Gamini Ranasinghe emphasised that the most effective approach at present was to raise awareness about the harm being caused to historical sites.
“We’ve observed that it’s not foreign tourists but local visitors who contribute most to the damage. The rock walls of Sigiriya, for instance, have suffered harm because some locals wear shoes, disregarding the signage provided. In contrast, foreign visitors tend to adhere to our guidelines. It’s crucial for us to ensure that our fellow countrymen do not harm our own precious heritage,” he stated.
Additionally, Prof. Ranasinghe announced that a new initiative would be launched at Adam’s Peak, where clay cups would be made available at an affordable price, accompanied by free water service.
He explained: “This approach eliminates the need for visitors to carry plastic bottles and the clay cup can also serve as a meaningful souvenir.”