Reviving tourism through Archaeology

Priyanka Kurugala

Sri Lanka has more valuable archaeological sites than other countries of the world. All these sites should be protected and developed to make a new tourism map, National Heritage and Cultural Affairs Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the National Archaeological Week, she said the Archaeological Department is strong economically and an important department of the country.

In 1977, though the country’s economy changed, moral and ethical values of the people had not changed.

The people respect their identity. That is why they selected President Mahinda Rajapaksa, she said.

“The Archaeological Department does not have adequate officers. There should be 10 Directors under the Commissioner General. The Department has only one Director.” the Minister said

“We will change the scheme of recruitment and expect to release funds from the Treasury within three months,” Wanniarachchi said