Conservation costs

In an effort to boost development at Sri Lanka’s key archaeological sites the Cabinet has decided to waive Rs.212 million of Value Added Tax (VAT) that was owed from the Central Cultural Fund.

The Central Cultural Fund owes Rs. 212 million of VAT to the Government for the period from August 2002 to December 2005. Cultural Affairs Minister T.B. Ekanayaka had pointed out that the Central Cultural Fund does not have sufficient income to pay salaries and maintain the regular services of the fund.

The Central Cultural Fund handles operations of the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, the area formed by connecting the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy with Sigiriya as the centre. The triangle also includes Dambulla. The Cultural Triangle that encloses places of worship, palaces, halls of learning and other ancient buildings is a major tourist attraction.

The Central Cultural Fund was established with the intention of protecting and maintaining these archaeological sites. The fund website notes that its mandate is to study the ancient civilisations and promote cultural tourism. However recently it was ordered to accelerate its conservation activities by the Prime Minister.

It was earlier reported that at the administration board meeting of the fund held in the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne instructed the top officials to expedite conservation work at the Anuradhapura Ruwanveli Seya premises.

In addition the Prime Minister instructed Director General of the Central Cultural Fund Professor Nimal De Silva to entrust his officials with target timeframes. The Premier also instructed him to submit an extensive report on the progress of conservation work on the sites throughout the island.