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| Wednesday, 21 January 2004 |
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by Nadira Gunatilleke The Galle Fort World Heritage Protection Society met Human Resources Development, Education and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku yesterday at the Human Resources Development, Education and Cultural Affairs Ministry. Minister Dr.Kodituwakku said that a decision will be taken on the Galle Fort after studying the rules, regulations and laws related to the other world heritage sites located in other countries. The minister also said that tourists will visit the Galle Fort only if its archaeological and historical value exists. According to the President of the Galle Fort World Heritage Protection Society, P. Thiranagama, the withdrawal of 100 percent tax on purchase of properties by foreigners in order to fill the part of Government coffers, has been deceiving the residents into selling their properties in the expectation of the Galle Fort becoming a tourist destination. Foreigners and locals who purchase properties for the purpose of converting them into liquor bars, casinos, gambling dens, night clubs and houses of ill fame should be taken to task. Some of the houses bought by foreigners have already been renovated and redesigned to suit the needs of the foreigners and the new structures that have come up are in contravention to the archaeological and structural designs of the Dutch heritage. Mr.Thiranagama stated that it is the duty of the Government to protect and preserve all the World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. "Therefore we appeal in the name of the country, its religions, cultures, morals and education values to give serious thought before the situation gets out of hand and well beyond control. We should not let Galle Fort become another `Hikkaduwa' or `Unawatuna'", he added. |
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