LNP – 124 unauthorised structures in Sigiriya to be removed: Minister

Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi revealed that 124 unauthorised structures have been erected within the limits of 200 to 400 yards from the Sigiriya rock.

The Minister told a news conference that steps have been taken to remove all the anauthorised structures which are against the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) standards.

He said an inter-institutional committee has been appointed with 15 institutions such as the Department of Archeology, the Central Cultural Fund, the Urban Development Authority (UDA), Dambulla Pradeshiya Sabah and Urban Council, to remove the structures.

The Minister said the archeological value of Sigiriya is not only limited to frescos and graffiti but that some six to seven kilometres within the limits of the Sigiriya rock is important.