Reprieve for Galle Fort residents
By Apsara Kapukotuwa
The Cultural Minister has agreed in principle with the residents of Galle Fort, who want certain sections of the Antiquities Ordinance and a subsequent amendment removed.

Sections 20 to 25 of the Antiquities Ordinance of 1940 and Section 15 (c) of the Antiquities Amendment Act No. 24 of 1988 give sweeping powers to the Archaeology Department in respect of 'heritage' sites. Under these clauses, 148 of the 430 private residences within the Galle Fort have been earmarked for demolition since 2001.

Forty five residents of Galle Fort met Cultural Affairsand National Heritage Minister Vijitha Herath in Parliament last week. They were given an assurance that an immediate meeting will be convened with all parties concerned towards arriving at an acceptable solution.

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