UNESCO has informed the Department of Archaeology that the historic Sigiriya archaeological site may face the threat of destruction due to unauthorized constructions and has called for measures to protect the area.
Commenting on the matter, Director General of Archaeology, Professor Thushitha Mendis, stated that Sigiriya is not limited to just the Sigiriya Rock. He explained that the site also includes prehistoric caves and a burial ground system surrounding the rock, which are part of the broader archaeological landscape that UNESCO has urged to safeguard.
“If unauthorized constructions increase, Sigiriya could face damage, and even its recognition as a World Heritage Site could be at risk,” Mendis warned.
He further stated that the Department of Archaeology protects the areas within the 200-yard and 400-yard buffer zones surrounding the Sigiriya Rock, and that no new constructions are permitted within these zones.
According to Mendis, around 50 people are currently living illegally within the 200-yard zone, and about 74 individuals reside unlawfully in the 400-yard zone. He emphasized the need to devise a proper resettlement plan to gradually relocate these people to areas outside the protected zones.
He expressed hope that a comprehensive and well-coordinated plan could be implemented through discussions at the state level to address the issue effectively. (Courtesy: Lankadeepa)
