With the objective of preserving cultural heritage sites of archaeological value in the Eastern province, the Central Cultural Fund (CCF), under the directives of President Mahinda Rajapaksa has initiated a programme named “Eastern Heritage Belt”. Director General of the Central Cultural Fund (CCF), Prof Sudharshana Seneviratne addressing the media at the Government Information Department said today (26) that up to now sites with archaeological importance have already been identified in areas from Seruwawila to Katharagama.

Prof. Seneviratne said that Anuradhapuraya, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, and Galle have already been declared as “World Heritage Sites” while on a special request made by President Rajapaksa, place where the relics of Lord Buddha are enshrined will be declared as “World Heritage Sites” in the near future.

Director General, Seneviratne also said in accordance with this programme places of Hindu religious value will be brought into the ‘World Heritage Sites’ category adding that Ketheshwaram, Koneshwaram, and Munneshwaram have been considered as “World Heritage Sites” under this programme.
 
The CCF has also come up with a new “definition” to the word “Heritage” which describes the world under four different elements. They are Environment, Culture, Next Generation and Classical Knowledge.

The word “heritage” will also be elaborated under four different dimensions namely Heritage and Economic Development, Heritage and Tourism, Heritage and Environmental promotion, Heritage and conflict resolution, he added.

(Courtesy : Department of Government Information )