2026-02-19 / Oral Question: Archaeological Sites in Galle District (Q. 9/2026) 2026-02-19
## 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.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, I answer as follows regarding archaeological sites in the Galle District.
(a)
(i) Yes.
(ii) The archaeological sites identified within the Baddegama, Nagoda, Welivitiya Divithura, Niyagama, Thawalama and Neluwa Divisional Secretary areas are detailed in the schedules annexed.
(iii) Supervision of these sites is carried out through the regional offices of the Department of Archaeology in the District.
(iv) Based on available information, among the sites representing the Kandyan Kingdom within those areas, Sri Sunandarama Purana Viharaya in Baddegama, Panangala Gangarama Viharaya in Thawalama, and the Welivitiya Divithura Gangarama Purana Viharaya are specifically recorded under the Department of Archaeology.
(v) Conservation programmes are being prepared, including conservation of wall paintings at the Welivitiya Divithura Gangarama Viharaya and the Ampegama Kshethrarama Viharaya. Based on a priority list prepared by the regional officer, special interventions for conserving wall paintings at those sites are underway.
(vi) Historically, some sites of heritage value have become targets of treasure hunters—sometimes even with political interference. We are preparing special programmes both to conserve such sites through the Department’s regional offices and to raise public awareness of their value.
Additionally, our country has many yet-unidentified sites of archaeological value. As a new Government, we are proposing a programme titled “Life to Heritage” to conserve 1,000 archaeological sites, along with public awareness activities.
(b) Not applicable.