Saturday Jan 10, 2026
Saturday Jan 10, 2026
Saturday, 10 January 2026 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) has underscored the urgent need for a centralised and continuously updated digital data system covering all antiquities and archaeological excavations in Sri Lanka, warning that the absence of such a system undermines effective heritage management, transparency, and tourism promotion.
The issue was raised when the COPA met in Parliament on Tuesday (6), chaired by MP Kabir Hashim, to examine the Auditor General’s Reports for 2021, 2022, and 2023 relating to the Department of Archaeology, alongside a review of the Department’s current performance.
The Committee recalled that as far back as 3 October 2023, it had recommended the establishment of a comprehensive database incorporating details of all archaeological excavation sites, discoveries made, outcomes of excavations, decisions on continuation or discontinuation, and locations requiring future exploration.
However, officials informed the COPA that such a comprehensive system is yet to be established, with existing records limited largely to excavation permits.
Stressing the critical importance of proper data management, the Committee said a centralised system is essential not only for safeguarding national heritage but also for informed policymaking and public access.
The COPA also expressed readiness to extend assistance to the Department of Archaeology to establish the system if required.
The Chair further highlighted serious shortcomings in IT capacity within the Department. Although approval has been granted to recruit 12 IT officers, only one officer is currently in service, and that officer is not attached to the head office.
The COPA instructed officials to take urgent action to fill these vacancies and strengthen technical capacity. The Committee also requested that a formal proposal on the centralised database be submitted within three months.
Members also drew attention to the failure to regularly update the Department of Archaeology’s official website, noting that an up-to-date online presence is vital for tourism promotion and public awareness.
The Committee instructed the Department to develop a mechanism and take prompt steps to update the website.
Additionally, the COPA noted that 48% of identified archaeological sites as at 31 December 2023 remain ungazetted, raising concerns over legal protection and conservation.
The Committee recommended submitting a detailed report on gazetted and non-gazetted sites within one month.
The Committee further called for a report on archaeological sites identified for UNESCO World Heritage nomination, together with relevant draft proposals, underscoring the need to elevate Sri Lanka’s global cultural profile.
