Archaeology chief speaks on protecting archaeological resources

COLOMBO (News1st): Rulers who believe that historic structures do not have to be protected, cannot sustain themselves for a long time, Senior Prof. Anura Manatunga, the director-general of archaeology has said. "Some rulers think power allows them to do whatever they want. But they begin to feel that they made the wrong moves, only after some time," Manatunga told reporters during a media briefing on Wednesday. He cited the conduct of King Lajjatissa who opposed temples and King Mahasen who chased away monks from the Maha Viharaya as examples. "In a country which respects history, and receives the blessings of the Maha Sangha, I don't believe that anyone can go against that," the director-general of the department of archaeology noted.