Sri Lanka News Updates with Discussions

there's a procedure to build religious places in this country and no matter which religion you belong to, you should abide by it.

Questions are been raised as to whether the necessary approvals have been obtained for new constructions taking place at the Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) premises which is an archaeological reserve as well as a world heritage site.

According to the Antiquities Ordinance No: 9 of 1940 (revised in 1956 and 1998) no one is allowed to commence or carry out any work of restoration, repair alternation or addition in connection with any protected monument without the proper approval from the Director General Archaeology.

However new constructions are taking place within the Dalada Maligawa premises, without the knowledge of the Director General Archaeology, the Deputy Director Archaeology (Kandy) or the Municipal Commissioner of Kandy.
According to Dalada Maligawa employees these constructions have come up on the foundations of many archaeological ruins.

It is said that the foundations of Mahavasala, muluthengeya (kitchen) etc were in these places where the construction work had been carried out. They are archaeological ruins and it is strictly prohibited even to dig a small pit in this area. But interestingly construction work has been going on for several months without any hindrance. We first thought that the necessary approvals have been taken and all the work was carried out under Director General