'Duty of all to protect one's heritage'

Priyanka Kurugala

Many conflicts could rise when conserving a country's heritage, even though protecting the heritage is a duty of every citizen.

But it is very unfortunate that the community is unaware of the value of one's heritage said, Dr. Gamini Wijesundara Project Manager Sites Unit of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Prosperity, Italy.

Addressing those present in the Archaeological Department Dr Wijesundara said, each person has a different perspective when speaking about national heritages.

A monument is evaluated on the basis of religion, archeology, history and sociology. "When we conserve a monument, we take into consideration all these aspects," he added.

Protecting a heritage is a concept linked to sustainable development.

However, many consider conservation as a waste of money. Conserving one's heritage contribute to conserving environment economy and social life. Enhancing facilities to pilgrims visiting heritage sites such as Anuradhapura is important. The authorities should give priority to developing tourism and attracting more tourists to historical sites, he pointed out.

Archaeological Director General Senarath Dissanayake also spoke.