• 1,000 archaeological sites to be conserved

All arrangements have been finalised to launch the national programme to conserve 1,000 archaeological sites across Sri Lanka, alongside the commencement of the Archaeology Week, which begins today (7). 

Speaking on the initiative, Deputy Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister, Gamagedara Dissanayake said the programme aims to identify sites of historical and archaeological significance and expedite excavation, research, and conservation efforts. Under the project, a total of 1,000 archaeological sites are scheduled to be conserved. As the first phase, work will begin on 100 identified sites during the Archaeology Week programme. 

He also announced that "Community Conservation Committees" will be established in areas surrounding the identified sites to encourage greater public participation in protecting the country's archaeological heritage. Recommendations and proposals submitted by these committees will be implemented with the guidance and direct involvement of technical officers from the Archaeology Department.

The 2026 Archaeology Week will be held under the theme “Bringing Heritage to Life”, reflecting the Government's commitment to preserving and revitalising Sri Lanka's archaeological and historical heritage through community engagement and scientific conservation.

Dissanayake noted that public commitment and involvement in protecting archaeological sites have remained limited. To address this, he said that the Government plans to officially designate identified locations as archaeological sites and establish Community Conservation Committees with the participation of local residents. 

"Through these committees, we will obtain proposals and suggestions on whether excavation, research, or conservation work should be carried out at each site," he said, adding that all activities will be undertaken with the technical guidance and direct involvement of officers from the Department. He further expressed confidence that greater community engagement would strengthen efforts to safeguard the country's archaeological heritage. 

"We believe that when local communities become actively involved with these sites, we will be better able to achieve our goal of protecting them. It is with this objective in mind that we have organised these initiatives as part of the Archaeology Week," he said.