New plan to address Galle Fort woes

Mahinda P Liyanage Galle Central Special Corr

A new management plan will be introduced to address problems in conservation and maintenance of Galle Fort due to various institutional and administrative clashes among State institutions which have hampered the development and renovation projects undertaken by the Galle Heritage Foundation and the Archaeological Department, said National Heritage Minister Jagath Balasooriya.

He made these observation following a sudden inspection tour to Galle Fort yesterday.

The unwanted administrative clashes and improper interaction among institutions connected to Archaeology and the Urban Development Authority has hampered the progress of important conservation projects of the Archaeological Department, the Minister said.

Another shortcoming is the lack of interest, enthusiasm and dedication to duty of certain officials in the Archaeological Department, Urban Development Authority and other institutions, the Minister said.

He said many buildings with much archaeological value are dilapidated and in need of urgent conservation and renovation to which colossal amounts of money are required. The National Heritage Ministry has planned several strategies to find finances needed for these massive conservation work. The proposed Galle Fort Management Plan will be widely discussed with authorities and public before its implementation, the Minister said.

Southern Province Archaeology Acting Director Wasantha Alahakoon, Archaeology Staff officers Samantha Koralage and Sanath Karunaratne and Galle Heritage Foundation Administrative Officer A Gunawardana joined the Minister in the tour.