Replying to a question by Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thera, he conceded that data on ancient ruins in the northeast was difficult to collect in the face of terrorist activities. "I accept that ancient Buddhist ruins and rock inscriptions in Walathapitiya in the Ampara district are being destroyed by anti-Buddhist elements. We are taking legal action against those who were responsible, under ministry regulations. But I admit that data on the ruins in the rest of N/E is scare", he said. He said that he had submitted a report of ancient ruins in N/E to Cabinet to declare them as Archaeology Reserves," he said.
The Minister revealed that the Ministry had taken steps on July 15 and 16 to copy the rock inscriptions in Walathapitiya and to ban quarry work in the vicinity of the rock.
Minister Herath said that they are finding it difficult to protect and keep a tab on archaeological places in the country due to lack of officers." In the November budget we will allocate funds for this purpose. We have five hundred vacancies in the department. Legal reforms and awareness campaigns are also being carried out," he said.
Ven. Medhananda Thera alleged that a large number of ruins which belong to the pre-Christian era and the Kandyan era were being destroyed in Vavuniya district. The Minister accepted that there was a destruction of some sites, but data from that area was insufficient to form a clear picture. The Thera requested the minister to involve volunteer groups and experts in conservation work, and appreciated the concern expressed by the minister.
