Many antiquities taken from the country by the United Kingdom during the colonial period, including the statue of Tara, will be returned to Sri Lanka, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayake said.

Minister Wickramanayake revealed many antiquities taken from the country by the United Kingdom are in the process of being repatriated. 

“We are working to bring back these and other ancient treasures, and we have also received numerous similar items from the Netherlands,” he added. 

The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs expressed these views during a press conference at the Presidential Media Centre on Monday.

The minister pointed out that an education system that suits the country and culture should be created in a manner that instills a sense of pride in the minds of the people about their country.

“The country lacks an education system that aligns with our cultural needs, which has led to a societal crisis. This situation has resulted in the emergence of a group of people who lack love for their country and pride in their heritage, putting the nation at risk of becoming subjugated,” he said. 

Minister Vidura Wickramanayake added that his ministry has implemented several programs to prevent this outcome and save the people. (Newswire)

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A probe is to be launched into the recent incident where the Avukana Buddha statue had been adorned with a robe.

It was reported that Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickremanayake has ordered a systematic probe into the incident.

According to the Department of Archaeology, it is a punishable offence to alter the existing character of a statue of archaeological value.

The Avukana Buddha statue built during the Anuradhapura era has a special place among the “Standing Buddha Statues” in Sri Lanka and as per history, King Dhatusena created this statue in the 5th century A.D.

A probe has been ordered after pictures emerged on social media of a group attempting to adorn a robe on the Avukana Buddha statue which is worshipped by both local and foreign devotees. (NewsWire)

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