Marking 35 years since Dr. Roland Silva’s tenure as President of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the 2025 National Conference titled “Beyond Dr. Roland Silva: New Directions in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heritage” was held by the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute on October 25 and 26.
Dr. Roland Silva — an architect, archaeologist, administrator, and institution builder — was honoured for his pioneering and enduring service in establishing the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) to ensure sustainable financing for national heritage and for setting a global example in the protection of cultural heritage.
At the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya praised the contributions of the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) and ICOMOS, emphasising that their ongoing collaboration will help safeguard Sri Lanka’s heritage against emerging global challenges and ensure its preservation for future generations.
The event also featured the launch of the book “Tivanka Pilimage of Polonnaruwa,” a copy of which was presented to the Prime Minister. Additionally, a commemorative stamp and first-day cover were issued to mark the 35th anniversary of Dr. Roland Silva’s election as President of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
The occasion was graced by Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Dr Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Director General of the Central Cultural Fund Dr Nilan Cooray, foreign diplomats, Mrs Roland Silva, as well as numerous scholars and professionals in the field.
