Sri Lanka to impose severe penalties for vandalizing artifacts

Sri Lanka Minister of National Heritage Jagath Balasuriya says steps will be taken to amend the Antiquities Ordinance soon to prevent treasure hunting in the country. 

The colossal Buddha at Avukana, Sri Lanka [Credit: Web]

Answering a question at the adjournment debate in the parliament on Friday, the Minister stated that the fines on offences related to antiquities would be increased from 50,000 to two million rupees. 

The prison sentences that can be imposed under the ordinance have been increased up to five years from present two years. 

The Minister also pointed out that machinery used for excavation of archaeological sites will be confiscated. Under the Ordinance, the transport of artifacts without permission of the Commissioner of Archaeology and maintaining private museums are also illegal. 

The Minister further pointed out that special units would be established in police stations to protect archaeological sites and artifacts. 

According to statistics, only 40,000 of the 250,000 heritage sites in the country are protected. 

The Minister told the parliament that 1,381 persons have been arrested for treasure hunting, robberies, illegal excavations, and selling of antiques. Among the items recovered were 42 Buddha statues, 3 god statutes, one casket and 7 other items, he said. 

Furthermore, since 2005, 360 robberies of antiques, 251 destruction of antiques and treasures, 557 illegal excavations, and 183 other heritage crimes have been recorded.  

Source: Colombo Page [May 26, 2012]