Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister – Hiniduma Sunil Senevi revealed that 124 unauthorised structures have been erected within the limits of 200 to 400 yards from the Sigiriya rock.
Speaking at a media briefing he has added that steps have been taken to remove all the anauthorised structures which are against the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) standards.
He added an inter-institutional committee has been appointed with 15 institutions such as the Department of Archeology, the Central Cultural Fund, the Urban Development Authority (UDA), Dambulla Pradeshiya Sabah and Urban Council, to remove the structures.
The minister has also said that the rising number of unauthorized constructions around Sigiriya could jeopardize its UNESCO status.
Meanwhile, Director General of the Department of Archaeology, Professor D. Thusitha Mendis has also said that although Sigiriya is not currently at risk of being removed from the World Heritage List, these unauthorized structures pose a potential threat to its status in the future.
