Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2019-03-06

Taking expeditious measures for the preservation of Archaeological Antiquities and the prevention of their destruction, theft and illicit trafficking

- The Antiquities Ordinance No.9 of 1940 was amended for the last time in the year 1998 and the Government has drawn its attention on the importance of updating the legal provision to confront the present challenges in respect of the preservation of antiquities. Accordingly, the proposal made by Hon. Sajith Premadasa, Minister of Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs to amend the relevant Acts, to take measures in regard to the destruction of Archaeological Antiquities, expeditious action to prevent theft and illicit exportation and to create public awareness on the crimes committed against Archaeological Antiquities and to induce the public to provide information in this regard and also to increase the penalties charged for inflicting damages to archaeological antiquities, was approved by the Cabinet.