Measures to preserve heritage cities

Hiran H.Senewiratne

The Government seeks to expedite the economic development programs by taking into consideration all religious and heritage sites in all four religions in the country, Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said.

"City planning and sacred areas development are important aspects and we have addressed all these minute issues for the purpose of protecting them for the future generation,' Minister Gunawardena said at a symposium on Planning for Sacred Cities - Sri Lanka. This was organized by the Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Ministry. This was a one day symposium which highlighted the importance of preserving sacred and heritage cities. Representatives from several countries including India, Nepal and Japan participated at the event

Three Ministries Urban Development, Cultural Affairs and Buddhist Affairs are involved in planning, developing and preservation of all sacred areas, while developing towns in the country. These sacred cities are important for research, academic purpose and for young men and women to venture into new areas of studies, Minister Gunawardena said.