The Director General of the Department of Archaeology, Professor Anura Manatunga has stepped down from his position, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Vidura Wickramanayaka said today.
Minister Vidura Wickramanayaka stated that Prof. Manatunga has submitted a letter to the Secretary of the Ministry, informing his decision to resign.
However, the reason for Prof. Manatunga’s resignation is unclear.
Prof. Manatunga’s resignation comes days after a meeting between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and officials from the Department of Archaeology.
The matter of the acquisition of excess land by the Department of Archaeology in the North and East was raised during the meeting convened last week (08).
President Ranil Wickremesinghe called out officials of the Department of Archaeology over the acquisition of excess land under the pretext of heritage properties.
At the discussion, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MPs pointed out the acquisition of lands belonging to the public in the Northern and Eastern Province by the Department, including in the Thannimurippu and Thiriyaya areas.
Upon being inquired on the matter, the President informed officials from the Archaeology Department to follow Cabinet policy and to refrain from seizing lands belonging to the public.
In an exchange of words with the Department officials, the President also inquired whether he was to provide history lessons to educate them, while he then proceeded to explain the placing of border marker stones in ancient times.
While emphasizing the need to protect ancient temples in Sri Lanka, the President issued directives to the officials of the Archaeology Department to remove border marker stones which are being used as a reason to acquire public-owned land. (NewsWire)
"Are you trying to teach me history? Or do you want me to educate you?" History lesson from President to Archaeology Dept pic.twitter.com/lqWaIeSZgX
— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) June 12, 2023