DISCUSSION ON SECURITY ISSUES AT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN THE EASTERN PROVINCE

On the directives of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) appointed under the Secretary of Defence on ‘Archaeological Heritage Management in the Eastern Province’ a conference was held to discuss matters pertaining to security issues at Archaeological Sites in Eastern Province on Monday (23) at the Security Force Headquarters (East). Director General of Archaeology Dr. Senarath Bandara Dissanayake, Commander Security Force (East) Major General Chinthaka Gamage, Director General, Civil Security Department Rear Admiral (Rtd) Ananda Peiris, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eastern Range Mr. Nilantha Jayawardhana, GOCs of 22, 23 and 24 Infantry Divisions, DIGs of Ampara and Trincomalee Districts, representatives of Department of Archaeology, Wildlife Department and Forest Department were present at the meeting.

During the meeting, the members representing different establishments discussed measures related to implementing the PTF’s mandate with mutual cooperation to preserve the archaeological and historical sites in the Eastern Province from vandalism and encroachments by individuals and organized groups.