University College of

Rathmalana

Travel & Tour Management

Name of the module Resource Management

Module code H55COO1M12

➢ NVQ Level: 6 Semester I

➢ Assignment Title: Briefly discuss about the step taken to protect the
cultural heritages in Sri Lanka
➢ Numbers of pages: 05
➢ Student’s name: H.M.G.Y.S Rajaguru
➢ Index number: RT/TTM/019/009

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What is the cultural Heritage

Cultural heritage is the heritage of tangible and intangible heritage assets of a group
or society that is inherited from past generations. Not all heritages of past generations are
"heritage"; rather, heritage is a product of selection by society.

Cultural heritage includes tangible culture (such as buildings, monuments, landscapes, books,
works of art, and artifacts), intangible culture (such as folklore, traditions, language, and
knowledge), and natural heritage (including culturally significant landscapes,
and biodiversity). The term is often used in connection with issues relating to the protection
of Indigenous intellectual property.

Figure 1 - World Heritage sites

What are the cultural heritage sites in Sri lanka

Sri Lanka with its nearly 3000 years of history holds some of world’s ancient cities including
Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Digamadulla. Remnants of these once glorious cities, their
palaces, temples, monasteries, hospitals and theaters intricately carved and modeled out of
stone lay abandoned amidst the soaring mountains.

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 Of all the ancient sites the most famed and most exquisite is the Kingdom of Anuradhapura.
Sri Lanka’s third and the longest serving capital and one of the oldest continuously inhabited
cities in the world is also one of the most sacred cities of World Buddhists.

Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient kingdom of the country was first made the political
center of the country in the ninth century BC. Irrigation systems that are far superior to those
of the Anuradhapura Age were constructed in Polonnaruwa kingdom, and still provide
irrigation water to the farmers in and around Polonnaruwa.

Word Heritage sites in Sri Lanka

• The sacred city of Anuradhapura

• The ancient city of Polonnaruwa
• The golden temple of Dambulla
• The ancient city of Sigiriya
• The sacred city of Kandy
• The old town of Galle and its fortifications
• (The seventh World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka is an ecological example, The Sinharaja
Forest Reserve.)

What are the steps taken to protect Culture heritage in Sri lanka?

The Sri Lankan government get an action to protect the country’s cultural heritage. The
department of Archaeology have a responsibility to protect archaeological sites. Department of
National Museums, Ministry of Culture and Arts and other institution also have a responsible
to protect the country’s culture heritage.

The government created the National Heritage Commission to promote and protect the
country's cultural heritage. The commission is responsible for the registration of archaeological
sites and monuments. It also works to educate the public about the importance of preserving
the country's cultural heritage.

• The government has also enacted legislation to safeguard the country's cultural heritage.
The National Heritage Act of 2002 provides for the protection of archaeological and
historical sites, as well as the promotion of traditional arts and crafts.

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 • The act also established the National Heritage Council, which is responsible for the
protection of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage. The council is composed of representatives
from the government, academia, and the private sector.

• The National Heritage Council has formulated a National Heritage Policy, which
outlines the government's commitment to the protection of the country's cultural
heritage. The policy includes a number of measures to safeguard the island's cultural
resources, such as the establishment of a national register of archaeological sites, the
creation of national heritage zones, and the implementation of educational programs.

• The government has also taken steps to promote the country's cultural heritage
internationally. In 2006, Sri Lanka was declared a World Heritage Site by the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The cultural heritage of Sri Lanka has been passed down from generation to generation, and it
is important to protect it for future generations. There are many ways to protect the cultural
heritage of Sri Lanka, including:
• Establishing laws and regulations to protect cultural heritage sites and artifacts.
• Creating awareness about the importance of protecting cultural heritage.
• Providing financial support for conservation and restoration projects.
• Encouraging research on cultural heritage.
• Promoting cultural exchange programs.
Develop training course for law enforcement services, customs and judicial authorities with the
support of cultural institution.
The Sri Lankan government has established the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) in order to
protect cultural heritage.

• The CCF is responsible for the management and maintenance of all archaeological sites
in Sri Lanka.
• In order to promote and popularize the country’s cultural heritage, the CCF organizes
various events and activities such as exhibitions, seminars, and workshops.
• The CCF also provides financial assistance to individuals and organizations involved
in the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage sites in Sri Lanka.

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 Reference
• UNESCO, (2009). Case study report: Sri Lanka: a project of safeguarding intangible
cultural heritage in Sri Lanka.
• Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage of Sri Lanka: A Legal Perspective -
Sanath Sameera Wijesinghe
• Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Efforts in Sri Lanka: http://www.natlib.lk

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