The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs

The Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs announced the "Yathivara Maapiya Nivahana" programme, a housing initiative for the parents of Buddhist monks who have entered the Sangha. Under the scheme, developed in partnership with the National Housing Development Authority, eligible parents will receive a grant of Rs. 1.5 million per house. Cabinet approval has been secured with presidential guidance, with plans to construct 1,000 houses island-wide in the current year, prioritising remote and underserved villages.

The Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs informed Parliament that a mechanism has been prepared under the **"Life to Heritage" programme** to conserve 1,000 heritage sites. He outlined plans to establish community protection committees at district and local levels, involving residents and stakeholders in conservation and stewardship efforts, and indicated that a positive update would be forthcoming.

## Summary Deputy Minister Gamagedara Dissanayake responded on behalf of the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to parliamentary questions regarding archaeological sites across six Divisional Secretary areas in the Galle District (Baddegama, Nagoda, Welivitiya Divithura, Niyagama, Thawalama, and Neluwa). He confirmed that identified sites are supervised through regional Department of Archaeology offices, with three Kandyan Kingdom-era temples specifically recorded, and that conservation programmes for wall paintings are currently underway at two viharayas. The Deputy Minister also acknowledged that some heritage sites have been targeted by treasure hunters, in some cases with political interference, and announced a new government initiative titled **"Life to Heritage"** aimed at conserving 1,000 archaeological sites nationwide alongside public awareness campaigns.