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Who’s responsible for Ginthupitya Kovil
By Sachitra Mahendra
Owned by the Maharaja family, the Ginthupitya Kovil one of the oldest buildings in Colombo is in a dilapidated state. The present generation of the family say they want to preserve the house and the Kovil not only because it belongs to them, but also because of its historical value. Many University students are said to be carrying out researching on the history surrounding house.

Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Subash Chandrabose have visited this place. The Ginthupitiya Kovil was the first place to welcome untouchables or harijanas as they were called by Mahatma Gandhi. African slaves were reportedly used in erecting the Kovil. It has a history dating back to more than 200 years and at the time though surrounded by plenty of greenery is today invaded by a number of new buildings.

As a number of buildings increase the present owners have requested the Archaeology Department to demarcate the area as a protected site as declared in 2002.

But they said unfortunately the department had not even bothered to put up a signboard to inform the public that the area is a protected site. Although the Archaeology Department claims that no renovation can be done without its permission as it might harm the pristine beauty of the place, this same Department has issued a letter permitting the erection of another building.

"When we brought this to the notice of the Archaeology Department they regretted the error and assured us no such thing will happen in the future", one of the owners said. He said that they are keen in getting the Archaeology Department to protect it.

"If they knowingly or unknowingly permit others to put up buildings what's the use of their declaration"? an owner asked. He said toilets have been put up on the top story of the buildings owned by Hindus.

"Is it right to build toilets on the top stories even above the pinnacle of the entrance, when God's procession takes place on the premises"? an owner of the house asked.

The owners charged that the UDA and CMC did not help them while the residents allege the CMC adding insult to injury are in the habit of unloading its dirt cart opposite the entrance.

"Earlier they used to unload dirt on the adjoining land. But as a building has been put up on that land, all the garbage is dumped at the entrance", they complained An Archaeology Department official however said they were not expected to visit the places, where there were guardians.

"We won't allow politicians to interfere in our affairs. Even the President has to build according to conditions laid down by us, on a land declared as a protected site", the official told The Sunday Times.

"We only declare the land as a protected site. We are not responsible for anything that is being done on the land. The guardians are responsible for the land. Not us", the official added

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