Special unit to prevent destruction of archaeological monuments

A Special Police Unit is to be established at the Department of Archaeology on March 4 to prevent destruction of archaeological monuments and conserve the archaeological and scientific heritage, states an Information Department press release.

This unit will function under the direction of Deputy Inspector General of Police Gamini Navaratne and Director of Crimes Section, M.K.D.W. Amarasinghe.

This unit will function under the co-ordination of a Senior police officer of the respective police area, covering all the districts.

This unit will take stringent action against the unlawful elements destroying archaeological valuables according to the rules and regulations of the department.

Director General of Archaeology Dr. Senarath Dissanayake said that this unit will be opened for 24 hours, any information in this regard could be given over telephone numbers 011 7222333 or 0112694727 and further said, secrecy of the informants would be strictly maintained.