| The Archaeology Department has introduced a reward scheme for informants, police personnel and Government officials to encourage the public to join the fight against theft of and damage to valuable artefacts.
Archaeology Director General Senarath Dissanayake said that under departmental regulations, 50 percent of the fine paid by offenders in cases involving artefacts was allocated to a reward fund maintained by the department.
“It doesn’t necessarily have to be a tip-off on robbery or damage to artefacts. Anyone who helps us in a way that will help protect artefacts will be rewarded under this scheme,” Dr. Dissanayake said.
According to a Gazette notification, issued on May 7 detailing the regulations and reward criteria, an inspector of police, a police officer lower in rank to an inspector, or an official of the Sri Lanka Customs who discover an attempt to smuggle artefacts out of the country will receive 40 percent of the fine imposed.
An employee of the Archaeology Department lower in rank to a board official will get 5 percent while an employee of a local government institute or statutory body or a public servant lower in rank to a staff officer is eligible to receive 15 percent. An informant, meanwhile, can claim 30% of the total reward money.
Dr. Dissanayake said that over the years there has been a decrease in artefact robbery cases. He attributed this to the prompt investigations carried out jointly with the police. There is a separate police unit functioning in the department, he said.
However, the public involvement in bringing down the rate of archeological theft was wanting, he noted.
“It is rarely that a person will think of the national heritage and provide us with information. Often, it is only when there is some personal gain that they will show any kind of enthusiasm. For example, some people will inform us to spite their enemies. We get several such reports.,” he said.
When asked whether the reward scheme will bring results he said, “Well, we must appreciate the people who do come forward to complain and encourage more and more people to help us out,” he said. |
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