- Provs. of Antiquities Ordinance and other related laws are obstacles to conserving and developing archaeological sites, monuments, heritage
The Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Ministry stated that it expects to revise the Antiquities (Amendment) Act, No. 24 of 1998 and several other outdated laws within the term of the current Government.
Speaking to The Daily Morning, Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Deputy Minister Gamagedara Dissanayake said the Government had identified several practical difficulties in implementing certain provisions of the Antiquities Act in the present context.
“This Act is in force to protect archaeological sites and monuments. However, it was drafted according to the conditions that existed at that time. Today, some of its provisions have become obstacles to carrying out conservation and development activities at archaeological sites.”
In view of these challenges, he said the Government had decided to amend the Act to ensure that it supports both the conservation and development of archaeological sites and monuments without compromising their heritage value.
“There are several other Acts that also require amendment in today’s context. Usually, when a legal amendment is initiated, it takes forever. One Government begins the process, and it is not completed even by the next. However, we hope to finalise this process during our Government,” he added.
Originally enacted in the 1940s, the Antiquities Ordinance aims to preserve and protect Sri Lanka's cultural heritage including ancient monuments, sites, and artifacts, by regulating activities such as excavations, issuing archaeology permits, and prohibiting the willful damage or destruction of antiquities.
The Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect recently alleged that certain groups with vested interests within Government institutions were deliberately obstructing efforts to amend certain laws. The Secretary of the Supreme Sangha Council of the Asgiri Chapter, Ven. Dr. Medagama Dhammananda Thera, said that they had long been urging amendments to specific pieces of legislation, but that no successive Government had been able to complete the process.