Constructions near national heritage:

Ministry approval must

Priyanka KURUGALA

National Heritage and Cultural Affairs Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi has emphasized that the construction of new structures close to national heritage sites should not be undertaken without Ministry permission, a Ministry source said.

In the event such structures are to be built close to national heritage sites, prior written permission of the Ministry has to be obtained. A request to the effect has to be made through the head of the site authority advisory committee regarding the proposed structure.

The final decision has to be obtained from the Ministry. It will be based on the recommendation of the advisory committee report.

UNESCO names specific locations in the world as world heritage sites only after exploring the historical significance, cultural as well as religious importance, creativity and artistic value.

Similarly their significance is decided in terms of technical excellence and their range of perfection. As Sri Lankans we have to be proud that Sri Lanka can boast of seven sites considered world heritages. We have made representations that certain other significant locations be considered as world heritages in the future.

When locations of this nature, that have been elevated to the level as world heritage sites are disfigured through the construction of other structures there is the danger of these locations which have been considered world heritages, been removed from that position of importance, Ministry sources said.