Modern invasions and the destruction of a world heritage

The Galle Fort which has received wide publicity in recent times is one amongst the seven UNESCO recognized world heritage sites in Sri Lanka, the others being the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Ruwanweliseya, Anuradhapura, Sri Dalada Maligawa, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla Ran Viharaya and Sigiriya. This bears ample testimony to Sri Lanka being a rich repository of cultural treasures and monuments.

However what is lamentable and cause for concern is the threat Galle Fort, the 38th World Heritage site is currently facing. It is speedily being transformed into a tourist resort with almost one hundred houses and other premises now being foreign-owned. A number of these buildings have been converted into hotels, motels, bars and shops. Such commercial activity in this one-time highly residential area is a cause for deep concern amongst the locals who have resolved to stay 'put' in the Fort in spite of these constraints. This much cherished heritage site is gradually losing its old world charm.

Although the government introduced the 100% levy on foreign purchase of property, the foreign buying spree is going on unabated. Has the government benefited from the 100% tax? What we learn is that various ruses such as forming of BOI projects and buying on long lease have been adopted to avoid the tax.

It is universally accepted that a world heritage site is an invaluable asset a country can boast of. Its archaeological and historical value, is, so to say immeasurable and hence countries which possess such sites have introduced numerous measures to preserve them from natural decay and other threats such as pressure for development, tourism etc. These antiquities and monuments are also subject to neglect and sometimes wanton destruction due to lack of adequate physical and legal protection as rightly emphasized by Justice Dr. A.R.B. Amerasinghe in his recent book on cultural heritage and cultural property. He also refers to the lack of public sensitivity as a cause for neglect. Justice Weeramantry in his review of the book by Dr. Amerasinghe points out, "In Sri Lanka there is a danger that exploitation of these resources may well occur in the areas of some of our precious historical sites. Whatever financial benefit to be gained from such an enterprise, we cannot afford it and this is a matter which needs most careful consideration not only by the authorities but by the general public as well."

Hence Galle Fort, the only historical monument recognized as an archaeological reserve and world heritage site in the whole of southern Sri Lanka needs to be preserved at all cost from modern development efforts and foreign cultural and social intrusion. The almost 90 acres of land and the buildings in the Fort of Galle are prime property and hence should be precluded from foreign ownership. In the alternative, there should be a special levy over and above the current 100% tax applicable to foreign purchase of property.

Many important personalities who hailed from the Galle Fort and other intellectuals have from time to time highlighted the vulnerable position this invaluable monument is currently facing. However the response on the part of the authorities has so far been indifference and failure to comprehend the magnitude of the problem.

Dr. Weeramantry rightly stresses "all threats to cultural heritage and cultural property need to be addressed by a concerned public, a vigilant administration and a more sensitized legal system".

Therefore it is the duty - equally of the people and the administration to ensure that this cherished world heritage site is preserved as a native owned treasure with its old world charm and native culture.

By M.I.M. Mubarak, Galle.