National Archaeology Week:

Memorial statue to honour Dr Paranavithana

Chamikara Weerasinghe

Veteran archaeologists, cultural experts, heritage conservators, historians, museum curators, Archaeology undergrads, research experts and scholars of Sri Lankan archaeology will meet today and tomorrow at the Archaeology Department’s head office and Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo, to reflect on archaeological programmes carried out in the country.

They will announce details of their work and unveil new archaeological findings at the meetings to be held parallel to the ‘National Archaeology Week’ conducted by the Archaeology Department from today.

Archaeology Department’s Museums and Maintenance Deputy Director M A J R Madagammana said the Department will unveil a statue of Dr Senarath Paranavithana at the site of the Archaeology Department building in Colombo, to honour his priceless services.

National Heritage Minister Jagath Balasuriya will unveil the statue today. Director General, Archaeological Survey of India Dr Gautham Senguptha and many archaeologists will attend the occasion, Madagammana said. National Heritage Ministry Secretary Kanthi Wijethunga will also participate.

The Department will also launch its own website and release Archaeology Department publications to mark the National Archaeology Week, he added.