Stringent laws to arrest artefact plundering
Priyanka KURUGALA.
Considering the large scale pillaging of cultural treasures and
historical artefacts countrywide, the Archaeology Department has decided
to take tough action to arrest the alarming trend by strengthening
security at archaeological sites, National Heritage Minister Jagath
Balasuriya said.
The minister said severe punishments would be meted to persons
involved in the destruction , stealing ,possession of artiffacts and
those engaging in any type of activity to destroy or plunder cultural
sites in the country. Regulations to deal with such offenders would be
brought into force with immediate effect.
According to the minister, the government will take steps to extend
the present term of imprisonment from two years to five years for those
found guilty of plundering artefacts or destroying cultural sites while
the fines imposed will be increased from Rs 50,000 to two million rupees
or both punishments depending on the gravity of the offence .” No bail
will be granted to the offenders.
Illegally transporting of artefacts, and aiding in the offence too
will be simialrly dealt with . Other than that vehicles, tools and and
equipment used in the robberies will confiscated, “he said. He said to
coincide with the archaeological week which commences on July 9, the
Archaeology Department has drawn up plans to create public awareness
programmes countrywide. Ven Elawala Medhanada Thera, Archaeological
Director General Senerath Dissanayake and Prof T G Kulatunga also
participated.
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