In Jaffna:

Program to protect heritage sites

Priyanka KURUGALA

National Heritage Minister Jagath Balasuriya on a tour of the Kandurugoda ancient temple. Archaeological Director General Senerath Dissanayaka and other officers were also present on the occasion.

Jaffna boasts of a number of national heritage sites and we should pay special attention to this, said National Heritage Minister Jagath Balasuriya. The Minister was addressing a five-day conference at Jaffna recently.

The Minister said the people of Jaffna are very supportive of the program to conserve and protect archaeological sites in Jaffna.

He said work on the Jaffna Fort Renovation Project which is being implemented with Dutch assistance is progressing satisfactorily."

The 2011 Budget paid special attention to the conservation of Sri Lanka's national heritage. The Ministry has drawn up a plants excavate and protect all archaeological sites in Jaffna, which were hindered due to the terrorist war," he said.

Under the project they have proposed to renovate Matota and Gokanna ancient harbours which were used as centres for trading with European and Chinese traders, Kandurugoda ancient temple and settlements, ruins and ancient temple at Delft island which existed from the Anuradhapura period, the Thiriyaya(Girihanduseya), Kachchaweli, Koneshwaran Kovil, Thirukethishwaram Kovil are the other sites included under the renovation program.

Archaeological Department North area Officer in Charge Ven Pathberiye Gnanaloka Thera, National Heritage Ministry Secretary Kanthi Wejesinghe, Sri Lankan Netherlands Embassy General Secretary Jacob Beerendse, Archaeological Director General Dr Senerath Dissanayake, Jaffna Fort Conservation Project Director and Uve Province Archaeological Assistance Director Gunaratna Banda also participated in the event.