By Sarath Dissanayake —

A nation’s legacy is widely considered a reflection of its peoples’ collective psyche, identity, spirits and values – embodying their shared memories, interests, triumphs, and aspirations, thus serving as a mirror of what a society honors, remembers, and strives for. This legacy is not static, but dynamic and evolving, often defined and shaped by the actions, beliefs, and moral choices of its citizens over time, guiding future destiny.

This write-up is being penned in good faith, inter-alia, to bring to bear on the powers that be, certain constraints in the institutional and administrative management of Sri Lanka’s archeological landscape in general, and impediments in regard to the preservation of the country’s archeological, religious and cultural heritage for posterity. Suffice it to note, the government is duty bound to act, and unleash everything in its power to protect and safeguard the country’s historical legacy, enduring interests and footprints for the sake of its future generations.

Buddha Sasana Minister Assures Priority for Archeological Sector

Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious & Cultural Affairs, Dr Hiniduma Sunil Senevi deserves a rousing applause and appreciation for being forthright in announcing that the government is in the midst of implementing urgent restoration work of the country’s long-awaited heritage sites – reportedly on the verge of dilapidation due to wear, tear and weathering. The Minister made these remarks at a meeting with Most Venerable Katugastota Uparatana Thero, Chief Judicial Sanganayake of America and Chief Monk of the Maryland Buddhist Temple in Maryland on 05th May. Among other matters, Minister Sunil Senevi outlined the efforts already underway to restore and preserve sacred sites in Ritigala, Deegawapi and Nelugala, while emphasizing the government’s resolve and commitment to protecting and safeguarding the country’s foremost archaeological heritage sites and history. Minister Senevi also underscored the urgency of prioritising certain religious sites damaged due to Cyclone Ditwah, and noted the availability of funds for their restoration. In essence, Minister Sunil Senevi’s visit to the United States of America is indeed significant, which coincided with the exposition of the Sacred Buddha Relics and Sacred Bo Sapling brought from Sri Lanka on the occasion of Vesak celebrations at the Buddhist Monastery in Texas under the auspices of Ven Pannakara Thero.

Sri Lanka – A Cradle of Therawada Buddhism Endowed with Architectural Marvels and Masterpieces

Sri Lanka – often called the cradle of Theravada Buddhism is world-renowned for its vast, well-preserved architectural-marvels and master-pieces, including ruins of ancient monasteries, impressive stupas, giant reservoirs and ancient civilization, featuring advanced irrigation systems and mesmerizing architecture – showcasing remarkable engineering prowess of its ancestors. The island nation once thrived under the powerful dynasties for centuries, is home to magnificent citadels and kingdoms spanned across much of its territory. Among such ancient kingdoms, the city of Anuradhapura often called the “Garden of Dagobas” in the north central province established in the 4th century BCE, stands out for its pristine glory and profound spiritual significance, which once served as the country’s first capital for over a millennium. Sri Lanka is also home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites to its credit, and the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree : the oldest documented tree in the world, dating back to 3rd century BC.

The Lasting Legacy of Ancestors : A Living Testimony

Needless to note, we owe our deepest gratitude to all ancestors whose sacrifices and tireless efforts built the world we live in, and thrive on today. They prided themselves on deep rooted value systems, and passed down seamless legacies that transcended through generations. Our ancestors deserve all the credit inter-alia, for the

(1) heroic battles fought against colonial rulers for over 5 centuries, and hard-won independence in 1948 at significant odds

(2) rejuvenation of Sri Lanka’s heritage, spiritual and cultural renaissance after years of colonial subjugation ,

(3) preservation and restoration of ancient archeological sites and monuments for posterity, and

(4) enduring unity, diversity and harmony nourished and nurtured among people of faith for the sustenance of Sri Lankan identity and multifaceted tapestry

Status-quo of Archeological Landscape – What’s at Stake

The Department Archeology, the apex body at the helm of the country’s archeological affairs, estimates that there are over 250,000 historic sites in the country, perhaps “the highest density in the world”. Sri Lanka’s archeological sphere of interest is at significant odds today, largely due to the mismanagement of the country’s archeological, heritage and cultural landscape viz-a-viz ad-hoc and under-funded nature of restoration and preservation programs. The challenges faced by the archeological authorities are many-fold: ranging from large-scale ecological destruction and environmental devastation, rapid expansion of human settlements, increased economic activities, to deepening social collapse and rampant poverty among the rural poor, to name a few. On the other hand, the senseless and irreversible damage being done to the country’s centuries-old treasured heritage, priceless antiquities and artefacts viz-a-viz its adverse impact on historical, spiritual, and artisan legacy – often remain off the radar of the powers that be, and overlooked due to complacency, and years of neglect for want of critical resources, funding and expertise etc. Meanwhile, leading archaeologists often voice their concerns over the rapid degradation of archaeological sites facing significant risks and threats from host of external actors, amid lack of care and commitment for their preservation, lacuna in legal, regulatory controls and safeguards for the safety, security and protection, frequent acts of destruction, looting and vandalism, political manipulation of country’s history, culture and heritage.

Key Concerns in the Field of Archeology : COPA, DOA, DONM Findings

Meanwhile, the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) in its latest report has highlighted key issues and concerns in the fields of archeology and heritage of the country. Among other issues, the report inter-alia, sheds light on key aspects including the failure to protect nearly 48% of identified sites, the prevalence of Sinhala-Buddhist dominance over heritage management, and the heightened loss of, and damage to, historical places due to modern construction, vandalism, treasure hunting and theft. It is noted that 2,706 of the 5,664 identified archaeological sites (roughly 48%) have not been officially gazetted, leaving them without legal protection and adequate safeguards. This oversight makes these sites often vulnerable to theft, looting, and encroachment. Furthermore, the Department of Archaeology is alleged to be operating with a “Sinhala-chauvinistic agenda,” prioritizing Buddhist sites over Tamil and Muslim heritage. This has resulted in ethnic tensions, particularly in the North and East, where the Antiquities Ordinance is seen as a tool for land acquisition rather than conservation. A noteworthy concern is the widespread looting of archaeological sites leading to the destruction of priceless artifacts, and architectural integrity of stupas and temples. It’s alleged that the authorities have come under criticism in regard to rapid, unregulated development and irregular expansion of community centres, resulting in the alteration of ancient landscapes and archaeological monuments – including unauthorized gravel mining in the Sigiriya sanctuary, at the risk of being delisted from the UNESCO World Heritage list. Of late, the country’s religious and archeological sites suffered massive destruction as a result of Cyclone Ditwah and the resultant flooding in December 2025.

All in all, many archeological sites face destruction due to lack of resources for conservation, particularly for want of funds, technical expertise and manpower. Meanwhile, the latest audit report of the Department of National Museums (DONM) has revealed that eight museums across the country remain without surveillance camera systems, leaving valuable artefacts unprotected, whilst only the museums in Colombo, Kandy and Polonnaruwa were equipped with protective cameras and surveillance systems. Suffice it to note, the high demand for artefacts and antiquities, by-and- large has led to theft, treasure-hunting and looting, thus resulting in widespread destruction of archeological sites, stupas, temples and places of worship across the country. According to the Department of Archaeology (DOA), the number of lootings, unauthorized excavations, and thefts of archaeological objects are on the rise each year. It’s been further noted that what has been reported is believed to be only a fraction of the actual number of incidents, raising more questions than answers, which indeed is a serious cause for concern, to say the least.

In essence, COPA, DOA and DONM reports combined, inter-alia, have dealt with serious shortcomings and drawbacks in regard to legal, regulatory and procedural frameworks, resource constraints, delays and failures in spearheading a comprehensive strategy, so as to mitigating issues ranging from addressing inherent lacuna / loopholes in the legal domain, to strengthening security safeguards, in-so-far-as recommending deterrence mechanisms, and expeding legal measures in apprehending, and for the prosecution of culprits and wrong doers, in order to ensure protection and preservation of archeological sites, artefacts and antiquities – devoid of political interference and mundane administrative matters in the archeological sector.

What Ails Local Archaeology  –  Emerging Trends

Being cognizant of the ever-changing nature of the global sphere of influence, compounded by an array of unprecedented challenges and crises, mankind is facing, and going through a sea of transformation never seen before in the history of evolution. Yet humanity is constantly adapting to changing circumstances in the world order, primarily driven by environmental hazards, technological advancements, human migrations and geo-political instability, and socio-economic and security concerns – often exacerbated by the lack of political will on the part the world community in addressing critical concerns and challenges impacting the very survival of the mankind viz-a-viz their long term needs, aspirations  and interests. On the other hand, human-centric interests viz-a-viz their priorities, have undergone, and constantly going through profound changes in every conceivable sphere of interest across the world, thus demanding sustainable long-term solutions through strategic planning, critical thinking, innovative technology and multi-faceted networking.

Status-quo of Colonial-Era Looted Antiquities

Ever since the colonization of Sri Lanka by the British, the Dutch and the Portuguese since 1505 up-until 1948, spanning over 450 years, Sri Lanka’s treasured artefacts and antiquities had been looted and smuggled en-masse, including Buddha figures, sculptures, tools, coins, and jewelry. Noteworthy among them is the world-renowned bronze statue of Tara (Buddhist Goddess of Mercy) which is currently housed in the British Museum in London. The statue is celebrated as a masterpiece of South Asian artistry, representing the intersection of divine sensuality and spiritual devotion. Similarly, there are scores of precious objects smuggled during the colonial era, most of which have been still unaccounted for – most probably ended up in the hands of private collectors abroad. Alas, foreign tourists and visitors to the country, seldom blamed for the loss, and smuggling of artefacts. A case in point is the Manuscript of Ola Leaves sold to an American tourist in Sri Lanka which had been returned to Sri Lankan authorities in 2025. (For more details – refer to penultimate para below please)

Renewed Efforts for the Safe Return of Artefacts

Needless to note, Sri Lanka’s stolen precious antiquities represent a treasured legacy and inheritance that go hand-in-hand with the peoples’ enduring spirits and destiny. Though ad-hoc efforts are being made from time to time so as to expedite the return of such smuggled items to Sri Lanka, albeit there’s been no considerate response from the former colonial rulers, except for the Dutch Government. Simply put, there’s no gainsaying the fact that keeping such precious antiquities in the custody for so long, despite repeated requests for their safe return to Sri Lanka, simply goes on to prove the brazen hypocrisy and scan regard on the part of the former colonial masters for Sri Lanka’s rightful claim for the legitimate ownership of artefacts still at large. In other words, the people of Sri Lanka richly and badly deserve to take charge of their pride, legacy and destiny, and longing for the repatriation of all precious historical artifacts into their own hands – after centuries of foreign domination. The government must initiate renewed efforts through all official and diplomatic channels at its disposal, to reach out to the former colonial powers, demanding the immediate return of all artefacts in their custody for their rightful and legitimate owners, the people of Sri Lanka once and for all.

New Era in the Making : AI Driven Global Day and Age

The rapid technological advancements in the AI-driven global day-and-age, have given rise to emerging challenges and concerns in the field of archeology where AI is shifting from experimentation to deep integration, into core economic and social workflows. As of early 2026, roughly one in six people globally are using AI to learn, work, or solve problems while AI is expected to add up to $15 trillion to global economic output by 2030. Simply put, organizations are moving beyond simple task automation to redesigning end-to-end operating models, with 35% still struggling with integrating AI into legacy systems. There is no gainsaying, AI even has spread its tentacles into cultural and archaeological domains with its rapidly evolving strategic influence over conventional wisdom and traditional technologies hitherto in practice, thereby threatening the very foundations on which local experts, researchers and historians often thrived for centuries. Sri Lanka’s local expertise and techniques together with its time-tested conventional wisdom that stood the test of time, appeared to have outlived its era and purpose, and is seemingly on the verge of oblivion.

Contextually speaking, the state-quo of the country’s archeological landscape speaks for itself, since cultural destruction is not merely an accidental (randomized) byproduct of technological and market acceleration, but a calculated strategy of coercion and control. A case in point is the rapid deterioration of Sri Lanka’s foremost Buddhist practices and age-old unique traditions from a state of absolute spirituality and wisdom, into oblivion, which bears all the hallmarks of systematic manipulation and commercial exploitation, on the whims and fancies of pseudo patriots and hypocrites, often hell-bent on deliberate distortion at the expense of chaos, myths and fallacies. Alas, in this global day and age, Sri Lanka’s historical legacy and its socio-cultural identity that stood the test of time for generations, are sure to go through a profound transformative process and evolution in the months and years ahead, in the realm of AI-driven technological advancements and innovations.

Pending High Profile Cases of Stolen Assets

1. Colonial-era looting : Thousands of artifacts, including antiquities and precious items were looted by the British, the Dutch and the Portuguese colonial rulers. Though Sri Lanka has made repeated requests for the repatriation of such artifacts, only the Netherlands has obliged, and returned certain items almost after 200 years in its custody.

2. Presidential House / Temple Trees thefts : A large number of archeological items, stolen and missing from the official residences of the president and prime minister in 2022 (in the aftermath of the Aragalaya protests) are still unaccounted for.

3. Colombo National Museum thefts : Authorities are yet to file charges against the suspects alleged to be involved in the theft of 221 valuable artefacts in 2012.

Own Efforts Towards Safeguarding Country’s Archeological interests

I am proud to have played a role in a small measure for the protection and preservation of Sri Lanka’s archeological legacy for posterity. Nevertheless, I am neither interested in boasting myself for doing my bounden duty by the motherland, nor did I have any intention to claim credit whatsoever.

1. During my tenure at the Sri Lankan High Commission in London, I together with my colleagues were instrumental in tracing certain artefacts from an auction house in London, and facilitating their eventual repatriation to Sri Lanka in 1998 for good. The timely action taken on that instance in coordination with Sri Lankan / British authorities indeed saved the artefacts in the nick of time.

2. Lately, I handed over a valuable manuscript of Ola Leaves to Minister Sunil Senevi himself in 2024. The questionable manuscript which was a set of hand-written Ola leaves of Dhamma scripts, had been sold to an American tourist while on holiday in Sri Lanka in 2023. Upon realizing its archeological and sentimental value to Sri Lanka, he eventually handed the book to the writer, which was later given to the Minister for safe keeping. Upon accepting the book, Minister Sunil Senevi found it to be a valuable piece of Dhamma script perhaps belonging to the Kandyan era written in Sinhala by monks.

Closing Remarks – In Memory of Sri Lanka’s Foremost Archeologists    

At last but not the least, let me in closing remarks place on record the unparalleled contribution and services rendered by Sri Lanka’s foremost Archeologists of the likes of Dr Senarath Paranavitana,  Dr Siran Deraniyagala, Prof  Senaka Bandaranayake, Prof Raj Somadeva, Prof Sudharshana Seneviratna, Prof, Prishantha Gunawardena, Dr Roland Silva, Dr Charles Godakumbura, Dr Ellawela Medhananda Thero,  Dr H.C.P. Bell, to name a few among others, who inter-alia revolutionized the understanding of the nation’s history through expert epigraphy, meticulous excavation, and the establishment of modern stratigraphic methods. Needless to note, their pioneering role, expertise and extensive work had immensely contributed for the preservation, restoration and protection of Sri Lanka’s enduring legacy and heritage for posterity, while nurturing the nation’s multi-faceted identity and interests for the socio-cultural and spiritual emancipation of its people, as well as for the sake of future generations. Had not for their hard work and commitment, Sri Lanka would not have possibly achieved what it had, and what is visible all too well across Sri Lanka’s archeological landscape today, which ought to be preserved for posterity.

“I looked after Sigirya like my own eyes”. In my days, I assigned watchers and guards and gave top security to Apsaras, Megalathas and Vijjulathas day and night. They are the most valuable treasures that we possess” – Dr Paranavitana

*The writer is a retired Ambassador and Foreign Ministry Spokesman. He can be reached at schandrad@hotmail.com