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Luxury condo complex: Construction blocking Sigiriya rock

03 Apr 2021

  • Archaeology DG to submit report 

  • Tourism industry raises concerns 

  • Decision after perusing reports: Vidura 

  State Minister of National Heritage, Performance Arts, and Rural Artists Promotion Vidura Wickramanayaka has directed the Director General (DG) of Archaeology Prof. Anura Manatunga to submit a comprehensive report on the alleged construction of a luxury housing complex which blocks the view of the Sigiriya rock.  It is alleged that this luxury housing complex, comprising 108 residence units, along with a rooftop and a swimming pool, is being built in an archaeological excavation site known as the Pothana Cave site, where prehistoric skeletons were discovered.  Further, all initial approvals for the construction were said to be granted during the tenure of the previous United National Front (UNF)-led Government in 2017 and later in 2020.  It is reported that concerns in this regard have been raised by tourism associations recently, who have also written a joint letter to the Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing Sirinimal Perera.  The letter which has been signed by Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators President Thilak Weerasinghe, the Hotels Association of Sri Lanka President Sanath Ukwatte, Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka President Channa Wijemanne, and Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance Co-Chair Malik J. Fernando, states that many in the industry are horrified to see a seven-floor complex with 108 apartments being built in the proximity of this famous rock fortress which is the most visited tourist attraction in the country.  “We appeal to the authorities to intervene and halt this construction, which is at an advanced stage, pending an investigation, and to urgently develop and strictly implement national planning guidelines to ensure that development is in keeping with the location and is sustainable,” the letter stated.  Speaking to The Sunday Morning, State Minister Wickramanayaka stressed that as per the information he has received, so far, though the building was not being built on an archaeological site, it blocks the view of Sigiriya.  “Without seeing what exactly is happening, I can’t come to a conclusion. I will go through the reports and take a decision,” he added.  Attempts to contact the Archaeology DG and the State Minister of Urban Development, Coast Conservation, Waste Disposal, and Community Cleanliness Dr. Nalaka Godahewa proved futile.


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