Sigiriya frescoes: No cause for alarm

by Manjula FERNANDO

An in-depth review of the Sigiriya frescoes, matching its original images with the pictures of today has concluded there is no cause for alarm Archaeology Director General Dr.Senarath Dissanayake said.Dr.Dissanayake said that a team of archaeologists and chemical experts was carrying out tests on the frescoes to determine if there was a chemical reaction or fungi attack.

"We did an in-depth review of the frescoes last Thursday at a meeting chaired by Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister Pavithra Vanniarachchi. Officials of the Archaeology Department and the Central Cultural Fund were present at the meeting where the original images of the frescoes taken in 1895, when they were first discovered, were matched with pictures of today.

There was an evaluation of the present conservation practices as well. "The conclusion was that there is no alarming case." He said they would wait for the experts' report, to come to a final conclusion. However, the Archaeology Department is to proceed with the invitation to the Italian expert so as to review the long-term conservation plan on Sigiriya. The local specialists were carrying out sample testing at the sight from Friday to determine if there had been any adverse chemical reaction to cause the suspected disfiguring. Their report is to be handed over to the Minister Vanniarachchi on September 2.

The team of archaeologists and chemical experts comprises Dr.B.D.Nandadasa, Prof. Albert Dharmasiri, Jagath Weerasinghe, Dr.Arjuna Thanthilage, Dr. Mohan Abeyratne and Dr. Nishantha Perera.

They will be carrying out the laboratory tests on micro samples in two separate universities; Moratuwa and Kelaniya to ensure the accuracy of test results.