Sigiriya stone stairway fast worn out: Minister
Friday, 04 July 2025 - 6:07 pm
Claiming that several aspects need to be focused on with regard to the Sigiriya archaeological site, Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi yesterday said that the stone stairway in Sigiriya has fast wo out.
The Minister said Sigiriya is a tourist attraction which draws some 60 percent tourists who visit Sri Lanka and that 1.8 million tourists are expected to visit Sigiriya within next year.
He said the archaeological value of Sigiriya is not only limited to frescos and graffiti but some six to seven kilometres within the limits of the Sigiriya rock is important.
The Minister said that 124 unauthorized structures have been erected within the limits of 200 to 400 yards from the Sigiriya rock.
The Minister told a news conference that steps have been taken to remove all the unauthorized structures which are against United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) standards.
He said an Inter-institutional committee has been appointed with 15 institutions such as Department of Archaeology, Central Cultural Fund, Urban Development Authority (UDA), Dambulla Pradeshiya Sabha and Urban Council to remove the structures.
