Protecting national heritage

The National Heritage Ministry has launched an awareness program on the importance of protecting the country's national heritage.

National Heritage Minister Dr. Jagath Balasuriya said that some treasure hunters in the North Central Province had been chased away by villagers recently.

The people's support to protect archaeological sites, monuments and religious places in the country is vital.

There are about 275,000 sites of archaeological value in the country and the Government alone cannot ensure the security of such places, he said.

"We have already launched an program islandwide to set up the Uruma Sansada initially in the Kegalle district to create an awareness among children on the importance of protecting the country's national heritage. Their support to fight treasure hunters is also vital", the Minister said.

A special police unit headed by an SSP had been set up at police headquarters to deal with artefact thefts and destruction of archaeological monuments, he said. LSAW