Prof Paranavithana instilled love for national heritage

Priyanka Kurugala

‘Prof Senerath Paranavithana is the first Sri Lankan Archaeological Commissioner.

‘He worked to make people aware of the nationalheritage and made them love their heritage, National Heritage Minister Jagath Balasuriya said.

The minister was addressing a ceremony to open the Senarath Paranavithana monument at the premises of the Archaeological Department yesterday.

The Minister said: “Prof Senarath Paranavithana was an expert in epigraphs and literature.

“He gave his best services to the country in the Archaeology field.

‘The National Heritage Ministry will name the main road towards the Sigiriya Fortress after Senarath Paranvithana as a mark of respect to the eminent archaeologist to coincide with the Archaeological Week in 2012.

“In addition, 16 stamps will be issued in the Sigiriya Fortress premises” the minister said.

A showroom selling replicas of artefacts was opened at the Archaeological Department by the Minister. Books were provided to students in the Udugampola, Prof Senarath Paranavithana National School.

The Senarath Paranavithana monument was built by Prof Sarath Chandrajeewa.

National Heritage Ministry Secretary Kanthi Wehesinghe, Archaeological Director General Senerath Dissanayake, Prof Senerath Paranavithana’s nephew M A Nissanka also spoke. National Heritage Ministry Senior Additional Secretary Vijitha Nanada Kumara, former Archaeological Director Siran Deraniyagala and experts in the field participated at the event.