'Restoring ancient ruins in North, our priority'

National Archaeological Week ends tomorrow:

The Northern peninsula is full of archaeological sites. The longstanding war now over, the time has come to focus more attention towards finding these new sites. Therefore, during this year our department will give priority to find and restore all the archaeological sites and monuments in the North.

By Ananda KANNANGARA

Archaeological sites - our pride

Wonders of yesteryear

When the Sunday Observer spoke to the Director General of Archaeology Dr. Senerath Dissanayake on the `National Archaeological Week' (July 7 to 13), he said the objective of conducting this week is to create an awareness of the general public, especially school children who are the future leaders in the country on the value of conservation and preservation of our national heritage.

Given below are the excerpts:

Q: According to you, the `National Archaeological Week' is an annual event. Why is this event held on July 7 every year?

A: Our Department was established on July 7, 1890, therefore the anniversary is commemorated annually on this date.

	Statue of Lord Shiva

Q: What is the objective of holding a `National Archaeological Week'?

A: We have to create an awareness for people, especially the younger generation about our heritage and also the importance of preserving the country's archaeological sites. If we do not conduct such a program at least annually, our youngsters will not be able to study on the value of our archaeological sites.

Q: What is the reason of shifting the annual archaeological exhibition from Colombo to a remote school at Narammala in Kurunegala District?

A: Children in Colombo schools get enough opportunities to see both local and international exhibitions of this nature. Therefore, we decided to conduct this year's exhibition with the participation of a large number of schoolchildren and rural folk in collaboration with the police and armed forces personnel in the district.

Q: Explain about the archaeological researches currently being carried out in the country?

A: We have identified about 250 new archaeological sites in every province and they are now being investigated.

Q: During the past three years how many new archaeological sites were identified?

A: In addition to our Department, research work on archaeological sites in our country is also carried out by the Cultural Ministry, university student organisations and some other state affiliated organisations. All these organisations have identified about 3,000 sites during this period.

Q: How many archaeological sites are there in the country to be identified?

A: According to researches, there will be about 2,500 unidentified sites in the country.

Q: Many Lankan artefacts are being exhibited in foreign museums. Have you taken any step to bring them back to our country?

A: Most of our artefacts are currently being exhibited at museums in London, Moscow, Berlin and Paris. We have already discussed this matter with the UNESCO.

Q: What are your comments on archaeological sites in the North?

A: Eight archaeological sites in the North have been identified under a special program launched by our Department in line with the 180 day accelerated development program `Uthuru Wasnthaya.' As the war is now over, we hope to carry out our excavation work in the near future.

Q: Are any archaeological sites in the North damaged due to terrorist activities?

A: A few, such as the Jaffna Fort and Nilaveli church which was built during the Dutch period, most of the other archaeological sites are not damaged. However, we are keen to restore all these archaeological sites and monuments without harming their archaeological value.

Q: What's the Government's budgetary allocation to carry out the programs in your Department?

A: Government every year allocates about Rs. 300 million on various programs carried out by our Department.

Q: As the Director General of the Department of Archaeology what is your message to the younger generation?

A: They are the future leaders of the country, therefore, I request them to conserve and preserve our national heritage for the sake of future generations.