In the light of a series of public concerns, allegations of encroachments on lands of archaeological value, said to have been occurring in the Eastern province of the country, a high- level delegation, led by the Governor for Eastern Province, Ms Anuradha Yahampath, Secretary Defence, Major General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, acting Inspector General of Police C. D. Wickramaratne, Chief of National Intelligence, Commander, Security Forces-East, Military Liaison Officer, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police for Ampara, Deputy Inspector General for Ampara and a few more officials this morning (14) were in Deegawapiya and Pottuvil areas in order to take stock of the status quo and explore possibilities of resolving concerns in question.
During the visit Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne pledged to protect and preserve archaeological and historic sites from vandalism and encroachments by individuals and organised groups.
He gave this assurance when he met some villagers and Buddhist priests during his visit to Muhudu-Maha Viharaya and Deegawapiya archaeological sites in the Ampara district
“Damages to national heritages, intended or otherwise, will not be tolerated and all possible actions will be taken within the existing law to bring the culprits to book,” the Defence Secretary said.
He reiterated the national treasures – the archaeological and historical sites- would be protected and preserved irrespective of the religion and ethnicity for the benefit of the country’s future generation.
“Sri Lanka has been experiencing an increase in vandalizing and also encroaching those sites by certain individuals and groups during the last few years. It is unfortunate to learn that some people are damaging those sites and also encroaching some of the important religious sites in the presence of the law enforcement,” he claimed.