The Archaelogical Advisory Board met today (10) under the chairmanship of Minister of Education, Hon. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam. A number of projects under Central Cultural Fund including preservation of architectural heritage, Buddhist Temple preservation were taken up for lengthy discussions.Currently discussed topic of frescoes of Dambulla Cave Temple and erosion of Buddhist statues were taken up for deep discussion and attention, while the expert report of national and international preservation specialists were taken up.The ICOMOS and UNESCO reports, report by archaeological fresco expert Dr. Wernor Smith, reports of local experts were studied in depth. Accordingly, it was noted that the Dambulla Cave Temple complex that is identified to be deteriorating fast , preservation work should be started.
It was unanimously decided to get the best attention for the speedy preservation of frescos and statues by employing national and international technical expertise.Accordingly, taking into account the various points brought to the attention, the caves should be taken up for preservation one by one systematically. It was decided to inspect these and as a first step, in order to carry out inspections, the Dambulla Cave Temple complex should be temporarily closed for tourists until further notice
Accordingly during this period
1. Full deployment of preservation staff of the archaeological department and Central Cultural Fund for the preservation of the Cave Temples at Dambulla.
2. To call for the experts in preservation of frescoes to contribute their expertise for the project.
3. The Central Cultural Fund was instructed to assesess the condition within a specified period.
4.The Central Cultural Fund was instructed to take steps to protect the caves from entry of insects by fitting them with nets and other coverage
5.To fix up automatic doors to control the number of persons who could be accommodated at any instant of time.
6. A systematic method by which the inside of Damulla Vihare should be illuminated.
7. Fixing up of security camera system inside the Dambulla Temple
Agreement was reached to provide CCTV cameras inside the Dambulla Vihare funded by the Central Cultural Fund.
The Archaelogical Advisory Council further decided that sale of tickets to the foreign tourists for the view of Dambulla Cave Temple complex should be directed, in accordance with the Archaelogical Act, Central Cultural Fund Act, Vihara Temples Act,
Accordingly consultations should be carried out the Dambulla Temple officials to provide funds for the expenses of other matters at the temple from the sale of tickets, the committee decided.At this advisory sessions, it was agreed upon the necessity of assessing speedily the archaeological sites in the Eastern Province. The sites taken into possession by some people by force should be examined and decisions arrived upon speedily.
Discussions also centred on setting up of a ‘Theravada Buddhist Zone” consisting of Myanmar, Thailand and Sri Lanka towards the formation of a Theravadi Buddhist Triangle and carry out consultations with the respective embassies.
The Archaelogical Advisory Committee comprised of Ven. Dambara Amila, Senior Lecturer Jayawardenapura University, Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs Nimal Kotalawalagedera, Prof. Nimal de Silva, Former Director General of the CCF, Prof. Prishantha Gunawardena, Director General of the CCF, Prof. Shiran Deraniyagala, the former Director General Archaelogical Department, Dr. Verenjan Kurukulasuriya, Mr. Upali Ratnayake, the Director of Sri Lanka Tourist Development Board, C. B. Mandawela, the Director General of Archaelogical Department, Ms. Dhammika Wijesinghe, The Director General of the UNESCO, Attorney Mr. Karunaratna Herath, a working director of the CCF and other officials took part in the discussions.
