Safeguarding ancient ruins, a sine qua non

By Amal Hewavissenti

Renovated Mirisawetiya Chaitiya

We, Sri Lankans are always governed by immense pride of having an archaeological legacy which dates back, perhaps to the farthest point in history of the country. It is however, the bounden duty of our younger generation to protect this unique cultural heritage and thereby transfer it to the future world without altering its identity and vitality.

The terms "archaeological remains" simply refer to the Buddhist, Hindu, Christian or Islamic statues, monuments, dagabas, paintings, pottery and other architectural masterpieces that roughly belong to the period prior to 1815. At the same time, inscriptions, coins and pottery fragments are archaeological remains which disguise a golden age in the past.

Even the Dutch Fort of Galle that is over hundreds years old, falls into this category. The artefacts and the archaeological monuments are, in fact, the physical remains of the unrivalled masterpieces and the lifestyle of ancient people that help re-establish history.

There is yet another definition for the words "archaeological remains". It says that movable or immovable property that is hundred years old is an archaeological monument to be protected.

Yet an interesting question arises as to why these archaeological monuments are to be protected. Research based on the remains have uncovered interesting life styles, relationships principles, economy and politics of the people of the ancient world.

The present generation should shoulder the responsibility of passing this valuable objects and knowledge on to the future generations. Though the Dutch were invaders to Sri Lanka, their coastal fortresses and objects used by them are now being safeguarded as priceless archaeological evidence of their invasion.

Thus the historic places and monuments belonging to various religious communities are being preserved as national heritage irrespective of any distinctions.

Sri Lanka too is blessed with a surprising array of archaeological monuments and artefacts that can come on par with world's best archaeological masterpieces. The irrigation technology which evolved through centuries and the masterly art evolving deep taste and aesthetic feelings make international visitors marvel at the top level Sri Lanka had reached in the past.

In the third century BC, Sri Lanka's national identity was nourished by Arhat Mahinda's mission and the advent of Buddhism. Here, the ancient kings had a well-mounted mechanism to preserve the cultural heritage bestowed by their predecessors. The kings themselves set a good example of protecting archaeological wonders for future generations by launching frequent renovations on deteriorating buildings, dagabas and other important structures.

They 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. The unbreakable link between Buddhism and the State gave boundless protection for the rare archaeological remains.

Ancient rulers were extremely careful to lavish State patronage for renovation of archaeological monuments erected by earlier rulers.

King Nissankamalla had renovated a number of monuments and appointed a team of officials to superintend the restoration work. The record on his restoration of monuments such as 'Mirisawetiya' is a clear statement that he willingly continued the great work of restoration by King Parakramabahu the Great.

History speaks volumes for multiple cases in which rulers displayed their commitment to restore the buildings, statues, or paintings to its pristine grandeur. Mahavamsa, for instance, explicitly states how "Lowa Maha Paya" was restored and modified by successive rulers.

Historical chronicles stress that the rulers most often supervised the maintenance of such heritage sites providing funds collected in the form of tax levied on people.

Historical evidence shows that King Parakramabahu the Great had appointed a special minister to supervise the restoration of heritage structures that were running into a state of disrepair and ruin. In the year 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.

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

It is totally necessary that new awareness programs on national heritage sites so far registered are mapped out.

We can also create a powerful tourist attraction to those heritage sites. Experts on archaeology suggest that the authorities can focus on building mini-museums in which excavated remains can be displayed to the public.

We are adequately equipped to make successful arrangements to attract tourists and schoolchildren to the national museum and the provincial museums.

It is important to make public awareness programs on steps to be taken to curb the activities of treasure hunters and those who destroy archaeological remains.

There is a popular suggestion to combine higher education institutions with archaeological sites.

For example, universities and schools that are in close proximity to archaeological sites can organise cleaning campaigns and other projects that help to maintain them.