Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today asserted that the Dambulla cave temple must be protected and steps must be taken to ensure it does not lose its world heritage status.
Speaking to a group of monks today, he said if steps are not taken to preserve the site in line with the recommendations of UNESCO by December 1st this year it will lose its world heritage status next year.
The Prime Minister said that the Dambulla cave temple has been damaged in the recent past and there was a request to take steps to conserve the historic site.
Wickremesinghe said that he had consulted the archaeological advisory board and they have made a few suggestions in order to protect the site.
The archaeological advisory board had noted that the Dambulla cave temple was under serious threat and that it needs to be protected.
He also said that the temple needs to be protected and conserved based on the guidelines issued by UNESCO.
Wickremesinghe said the archaeological advisory board will meet the Buddhist clergy and discuss the steps which need to be taken to protect the world heritage site.
Courtesy: Colombo Gazette
