Govt to launch project to conserve ola manuscripts

A special project to conserve ola leaf manuscripts deposited in temples and other places throughout the country is to be launched by the government shortly.

This decision was taken at a meeting of the Central Cultural Fund Board of Management chaired by Prime Minister and Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs Minister D M Jayaratne at the Prime Ministers' Office.

The Board also decided to make an initial allocation of Rs 5 million towards this project, said a communique issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

The communique added that a cadre of specially trained personnel would be deployed to handle the conservation work.

It is estimated that over 100,000 ola leaf manuscripts are lying at various temples and dagobas in the country.

The Prime Minister who described this conservation project as a timely measure, instructed the Board of Management to complete it soon.

He also told officials to conserve archaeological and other heritage sites as tourist attractions.

The Prime Minister who emphasized the importance of protecting the local heritage for the benefit of future generations, said the Cultural Affairs Ministry and the Central Cultural Fund had a big responsibility in this regard.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa who attended the meeting said conservation work should be undertaken while preserving the historical importance of the sites. "Although we should develop tourism, it is essential to protect our local heritage."

Cultural Affairs Minister T.B. Ekanayake, Prime Minister's Secretary S. Amarasekara, Cultural Affairs Ministry Secretary Wimal Rubasinghe and CCF Director-General Prof. Wimal de Silva also attended the meeting.