National Archaeology Day fell on July 7:

Protecting archaeological heritage for the future

by Amal HEWAVISSENTI

The moonstone

One of the attractive aspects of archaeology is the sure element of surprise. We are naturally governed by a sharply defined sense of pride of having an archaeological legacy that goes back to the farthest point of history of the island.

Sri Lanka has a baffling array of archaeological monuments and artefacts that can readily compete with the priceless monuments throughout the world.

Our irrigation technology that has evolved through centuries and the masterly art that evoke deep taste and aesthetic feelings make the whole world marvel at the top level Sri Lanka had reached in the past.

It is the duty of the younger generation to safeguard this national heritage and transfer it with the same vitality to the future world.

Historic example

The ancient kings had a clear, well-organised mechanism to safeguard the cultural heritage. In the third century BC, Sri Lanka’s national heritage was nourished by the cultural legacy with the advent of Buddhism.

Sri Lankan kings launched massive developmental programs to upgrade the national heritage and gave full patronage to the building of more monuments that show themselves in the form of ruins today.

Ancient Sri Lankan kings themselves have set a good example of preserving archaeological wonders for future generations.

The inevitable relationship between Buddhism and the State gave limitless protection for the priceless archaeological remains. And this, on the other hand, was made possible by the Sri Lankan social thought unconditionally nourished by Buddhist ethos.

Our kings, for the most part, were careful to lavish state patronage for renovation of archaeological monuments erected by earlier rulers and were running into dilapidation with the passage of time.

Guard stone

History records multiple incidents that spell out the rulers’ commitment to restore the buildings, statues or paintings to its pristine grandeur. For instance, the Mahavamsa explicitly says how ‘Lowamaha Paya’ was restored and sometimes, modified by successive kings.

According to the historical chronicles, the kings most often saw to the maintenance of such heritage sites providing funds collected in the form of tax levied on people.

Moreover, historical evidence shows that King Parakramabahu the Great had appointed a special Minister to supervise the restoration of heritage buildings and monuments that were running into a State of disrepair and ruin.

Even King Nissankamalla had renovated a number of monuments and appointed a team of officials to superintend the restoration work.

The record on Nissankamalla’s restoration of monuments such as Mirisaweti makes it clear that he willingly continued the national mission carried out by King Parakramabahu the Great during his reign.

What are archaeological remains?

The words ‘archaeological remains’ simply refer to the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu or Islamic statues and monuments, pottery, paintings, chaithyas and architectural marvels that belong to the time period before 1815.

Here, pottery fragments and inscriptions are not an exception. Even the Dutch fort of Galle, that is over hundred years old, falls into this category. The archaeological monuments and artefacts are the physical remains of unrivalled masterpieces and lifestyle of ancient people that help to re-establish history.

There is, moreover, an accepted rule that legally defines a movable or immovable property, that is more than hundred years old, as an archaeological monument. Why should these be protected? Research based on archaeological remains have uncovered the behavioural patterns moral principles, economy and politics of the ancient world. The present generation must pass this valuable knowledge on to the future generation.

Though the Dutch were invaders to Sri Lanka their coastal fortresses are now being protected as priceless archaeological evidence of their invasion. Thus the monuments and historic places belonging to different religious communities are being preserved as national heritage irrespective of any distinctions.

Need for a national day

Harry Charles Perviyes Bell, an eminent Englishman launched the first project of archaeological explorations with 28 men in Anuradhapura in 1890. This project which was popularly known as “Bell Party” later came to be called `Archaeological survey of Ceylon’ (Archaeological Department) within the British Government in Sri Lanka. We identify him as the first Commissioner (Director General) of Archaeology.

However, Prof. Senarath Paranavitane was the first Sri Lankan to become the Commissioner of Archaeology. In 1890 on international conference of archaeologists from about twenty countries was held in Colombo to mark the Centenary of the Department of Archaeology and July 7 was named as the National Archaeology Day.

Thus the Department of Archaeology that was established in 1890 is the authority that accounts for the protection and preservation of valuable monuments so far uncovered.

Stone images

In 1990, the Archaeological Department laid a sound foundation towards protecting heritage sites for future generations by registering some 11,185 heritage sites scattered in the country. Judging by the historical records of the work done by Sri Lankan kings through centuries, it is safer to conclude that more than 200,000 heritage sites may have been scattered throughout the country.

Current challenges

The policymakers have a great responsibility to focus more on domestic tourism specially cultural tours with a broader view points. They should also take steps to direct domestic tourists to local cultural attractions.

It is important to launch a wide propaganda on archaeological finds from excavations and take them to the common people creating an atmosphere in which they realise the value of artefacts uncovered.

Modern technology can widely be used to give publicity to the artefacts and their practical value. It is not wide of the mark is we say that our national heritage sites are lamentably in need of more improved facilities for tourists such as accommodation, potable water and toilet facilities.

It is totally opportune that new awareness programs on national heritage sites registered so far should be mapped out. Thereby we can create a powerful tourist attraction to those heritage sites.

We are better equipped to make successful arrangements to attract the people and schoolchildren to the national museum and other provincial museums. Experts on archaeology suggest that the authorities can focus on building a group of mini-museums in which excavated buried remains can be displayed to the public.

This is an effective way of promoting an unmistakable trend of museum goers and increasing the people’s awareness of the historical value of the particular heritage site.

For this, special program should be launched to make people aware of the steps to be taken to curb the activities of treasure hunters and those who sabotage archaeological remains. There is, at the same time a popular suggestion to combine higher education institutions with the archaeological sites.

Universities, schools for example, that are in close proximity to archaeological heritage sites can organise special cleaning campaigns and other projects that help to maintain them.

Our responsibility

Intricate designs

Projects such as these will call a halt to archaeological sites deteriorating and preserve them in their pristine glory. A country such as Sri Lanka cannot spend a massive capital on restoring all the heritage sites that are profusely scattered throughout the country.

The State can encourage the trend for more research in which young and energetic archaeologists can puzzle out mysteries surrounding the particular heritage site and offer thought-provoking explanations to the visitors.

That will definitely transfer the fresh knowledge to the future generation. The modern techniques of reconstruction and rehabilitation should be omitted because people like to see the heritage sites or monuments in future precisely as they existed in the past.

Therefore, the most practical and appropriate way is preservation. On the National Day of Archaeology, let’s be determined to preserve our heritage that has its own historical and aesthetic value.