COLOMBO (News 1st); Activist believe that those who commenced an operation to dredge and clean-up the ancient Tissamaharama Wewa should be prosecuted for violating the law in the country.

The Chinese Joint Venture to dredge and clean-up the Tissamaharama Wewa was stopped in its tracks after Sri Lanka’s Department of Archaeology said permission was not obtained to commence any construction or renovation work on the irrigation tank which dates back to the 03rd century BC.

Apart from violating the country’s laws on archaeology, camouflage-clad foreign personnel were seen at the premises and their attire was similar to that worn by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

‘Individuals who violated the country’s laws on archaeology cannot be allowed to roam free. They need to be prosecuted,’ stressed Venerable Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thero, a vocal monk and the head of the Protect Sri Lanka Movement.

He called on the immediate arrest of the individuals responsible for the Chinese Joint Venture and said according to law a person who violated the archaeology act in Sri Lanka is considered as committing an non-bailable offense.

Former Army Commander and present member of Parliament, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka strongly believes Chinese military personnel are operating at the site.

‘Many in the present government have links with wealthy businessmen in China, therefore, it is clear how decisions are made,’ he said on Monday (28).

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