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| Monday, 2 February 2004 |
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The second protest meeting of the Galle Fort World Heritage Protection Society was held summoning all Associations, Societies and Heads of Schools in and around Galle Fort at the Galle Muslim Cultural Association Hall on Saturday, January 24, at 4.30 p.m. under the most distinguished Life Patron of the Society Most Ven. Viharadhipathi and the Galle District Executive Vice President, Mahasanganayake Pallathara Sumanajothi Nayaka Thera, states the Galle Fort World Heritage Protection Society in a press release. The release adds: Mr. P. Thiranagama, the Attorney-at-Law and the President of the Society making the welcome address, said that at all cost, religious, cultural, education and moral values will be protected in the heritage site. He pointed out some people do not participate due to intimidation. A few others are being asked by a few local and foreign elements to work against us. No movements can stop our forward march. If Foreign residents must respect our cultural, moral and educational values. To protest against evil activities and to demand to justice and fairplay, there must be no fear at all. Only those who do not have the backbone play hide and seek. The Life Patron and Vice executive President of the Galle District, the Most Venerable Viharadhipathi Pallattara Sumanajothi Nayaka Thera said, that the Prime Minister's decision in trying to make the Galle Fort a tourist destination is short sighted. It will encourage only immorality and bring destruction and devastation to the residents of the Fort and Galle. He said culture, religion and education should be protected under all circumstances. He further stated that there had been harmony among the Muslims and Sinhalese for over 100 years in the Fort. M. I. M. Mubarak, President of Sri Lanka Islamic Association, Vice President, Alaviyathul Qadiriya Association, Vice President Seyed Abdurahuman Jiffry Moulana Trust and the Adm. Secretary, Overseas Muslim Educational Trust said in 1505 the Portuguese captured Sri Lanka and in 1656 the Dutch invaded us and the Galle Fortress was built. It is the largest Fortress in Sri Lanka. One of the most secured, unique and beautiful sites in the whole world, housing several religious, educational, government institutions and archaeological residential houses. He explained that in 1969 the UNO designated Galle Fort as an Archaeological reserve and in 1988 as a World Heritage 38th Monument among 213 sites. In 1994 the Sri Lankan Parliament passed the World Heritage Act. Therefore, this Fortress possess national and international ownership. All sacrifices and efforts must be made by the Government to safeguard and protest its heritage and archaeological value. The state should not sell the valuable heritage properties. Eighty percent of the Galle Fort from its inception had remained a residential location with several religious and educational institutions. He said, one of the major property developers assured and promised us that he will protect all heritage and archaeological values of the Galle Fort. Now we find he and his friends have betrayed us totally. We are now taking up these matters with the relevant Ministries. Construction of houses to suit their whims and fancies, ignoring archaeological and heritage values and in addition converting these to vice centres and liquor serving hotels etc. will be brought to an end soon. The Most Venerable Baddegama Devarakitha Nayaka Thera of the Galle Korale said that, religious, cultural and educational Institutes should be protected for the welfare of the future generations and for its rarity and heritage values. He emphasized the cordial relationship existing for centuries between the Muslims and the Sinhalese. He also appealed to the Government to reimpose the Tax 100%. M. Nazeer of the Arabic College said that the Al Bahjathul Ibrahimiya Galle Fort Arabic College which has been functioning for over 105 years' an Institute of Islamic learning and discipline, peacefully co-existed with other religious institutions had produced over 1000 Moulavis and Islamic scholars. He appealed to the people not to make hasty decisions in selling the rich, valuable heritage site properties. If they are sold, religious and educational institutions will suffer. Rev. Brother Pushpa Kumar of the Dutch Reformed Church said that those who are religious minded must go all out to safeguard the religious, cultural and educational institutions near the heritage site. The Galle Fort is a wonderful location in Sri Lanka in every respect as it comprises several institutions worthy of value etc. Secretary General A. R. M. Zain, who proposed the vote of thanks, thanked the head of schools for supporting their cause to safeguard and protect the Galle Fort Heritage Site. The Viharadhipathi Sudharmala Mathugama Gnanathilake Nayaka Thera and several other religious dignitaries and office bearers of several Associations were present. The following resolutions were unanimously passed to safeguard and preserve the heritage and archaeological values at the site. 1. Conversion of dwelling houses/buildings, purchased either by locals or foreigners into Liquor Serving Restaurants, Casinos, Vice Dens, Night Clubs, Guest Houses and Liquor Bars in the midst of religious and educational institutions. 2. Constructions and renovations of houses and building contravening the Heritage and Archaeological designs, concepts and laws. 3. Granting of liquor licences for Restaurants/Hotels to serve Liquor openly and prevalent of illicit Bars. 4. Withdrawal of 100% tax for purchases by foreigners to reimpose at least on world heritage site areas. 5. Carry out strict and regular Police supervision on both local and foreign Guest Houses that are being converted to vice dens/Paedophile Centrea/Guest Houses. 6. To appoint a committee to inquire and investigate into the purchases by foreigners as how monies are being brought into Sri Lanka as it appears that there is a large scale of money laundering in operations. 7. To stop sale of Government Heritage Buildings and properties. 8. To nominate two representatives from the Galle Fort residents at the Galle Fort World Heritage Foundation Committee. 9. To publish Reports/Presentations/Papers and accounts in relation to Galle Fort World Heritage Sites/Funds. |
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