The Archaelogical Advisory Committee which met yesterday (10) decided that the Dambulla Cave Temples should be closed temporarily for foreign tourists in view of the urgent restoration works. In this connection, a media briefing was issued by us and it highlighted that it was the decision was committee. Taking a decision and its implementation are two different things. Accordingly the Archaelogical Advisory Committee’s decision is not yet implemented.Accordingly, the Archaelogical Advisory Committee decided that the responsibility of issue of tickets for the foreign tourists lie with the Central Cultural Fund under the powers vested in it, under the Central Cultural Fund, under the Archaelogical Act, Central Cultural Fund Act, Vihare Temples Act .The decision arrived at the Archaelogical Advisory Committee has to be intimated to the Dambulla Temple authorities and a proper decision had to be arrived as soon as possible along with them after due consultations. The Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs Mr. Nimal Kotawalagedera and Hon. Minister of Education, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam were directed upon to coordinate in this matter. Accordingly, in the near future, the members of the Archaelogical Advsiory Committee and religious authorities of the Dambulla Vihare Tample will meet and assess the existing situation and tke into consideration and decide upon the final decision on the recommendations of the Archaelogical Advisory Committee
Minister of Education, Hon. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam commenting on this said that any decision of matters relating to Rangiri Dambulu Vihare will be according to the law and with respect to customs and traditions. The minister further stressed that the government is determined with all its might to protect and preserve the World Heritage site of Rangiri Dambulu Cave Temple Complex and will not permit anyone to fail in it. It is the bounden duty of everyone to preserve this, he continued. The entire Maha Sangha of this country including the Dambulu Vihare authorities have blessed this effort of preservation and it is the national duty of everyone, says Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam. He was addressing his ministry officials this afternoon in this regard.
When the Hon. Minister has taken upon himself this noble work with a great commitment, to restore and preserve the Dambulla Cave Temples that is facing decay and destruction, it is a pity and national misfortune that some disgruntled elements are trying to capitalize on it.
