The report compiled by the Inter-Institutional Committee on the preservation of Sigiriya was officially handed over to the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, on June 27, 2025, at the auditorium of the Sigiriya Central Cultural Fund.
This set of proposals aims to ensure the balanced conservation and development of Sigiriya’s heritage, safeguarding the remarkable universal values found in the ancient city, including its historical, archaeological, architectural, aesthetic, scientific, technological, and urban landscape significance.
Key proposals outlined in the report include:
- Implementing solutions to mitigate the risk of Sigiriya being delisted from the UNESCO World Heritage list.
- Relocating residents currently living within 200 to 400 yards outside the Sigiriya moat, to protect the area’s natural ecosystem, cultural landscape, and built environment, thereby transforming Sigiriya into a sustainable tourism destination.
- Gradual resettlement of residents in the highly sensitive zone within 200 yards outside the moat.
- In cases where resolving issues within the 400-yard boundary becomes difficult, exploring alternative approaches under the regulation of the Inter-Institutional Committee, to engage the local community in tourism-related activities in a controlled manner.
The event was attended by key state officials, including Dr. Nilan Cooray, Director General of the Central Cultural Fund, and Prof. Thusitha Mendis, Director General of the Department of Archaeology, as well as several local community representatives.
Following the handover, the Minister and accompanying officials toured the Sigiriya site. Attention was also directed towards improving visitor facilities, such as the establishment of a modern sanitation system and measures to enhance tourist safety.
