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No danger to frescoes from plaster collapse, says archeological official
View(s):The conservation process of restoring the layer of plaster which collapsed close to where the Sigiriya frescoes are situated, has been completed U.P.Wathuge, Acting Assistant Director of the Chemical Preservations Division of the Archeological Department said.
He said the plaster had peeled off on Monday as moisture has seeped into it. The problem is that that lime plaster, which is used to bond with the rock, tends to weaken due to differences in texture and gravity.
It’s a natural occurrence hence several other areas at risk were also subject to restoration, he said.
However the paintings themselves are not in any immediate danger, as only a portion outside the fresco pocket was damaged, while the murals are situated on the vertical wall and are very much intact, he said.
Meanwhile Prof. Prishantha Gunawardena the Director General of the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) said a ban on photographing the frescos was implemented following a lengthy discussion with the Archeological Department and the Ministry of Education.
“Previously this was merely a ban on photography using flashguns and if anyone wished to take a photograph he/she could do so with special permission.
However due to the carelessness of those who take photographs using flashguns, despite warnings, there has been an extensive negative impact on the murals” he said.
Prof. Gunawardena said that according to statistics there has been a massive increase in tourists this year with 89,000 visitors arriving by December.
In comparison to last year the numbers have doubled– due to which the authorities were compelled to take strict precautionary measures as the fresco pocket itself is a very small area and is at risk, with the breathing in and out of a large number of people coming to view the murals not being favourable for the continued existence of the murals” he said.
There is a proposal to remedy the situation by expanding the fresco gallery at least by eight metres with the aid of a metal grille.
Prof. Gunawardena said that in many countries such cultural heritage sites are subject to intensive care and photography is strictly forbidden.
In comparison, while Sri Lanka possesses a truly rich past we have failed to provide it due care. Hence while this ban will cause some dissatisfaction among the tourists and visitors in general it is a necessary step to take.