AG tells AIGP to expedite Kurunegala inquiry

AG advises Acting IGP to expedite investigation into archaeological site demolition

by Zulfick Farzan 22-07-2020 | 5:04 PM

Colombo (News 1st); Attorney General Dappula De Livera has advised the Acting Inspector General of Police to conclude the investigations into the demolition of a building with archaeological value in Kurunegala and submit the investigation documents before the 31st of July.

Coordinating Officer to the Attorney General, State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne speaking to News 1st said the advisory is a 05-page document and highlights the importance of obtaining a court order to secure the crime scene.

In addition, the Acting IGP was advised to obtain a court order to call for an expert report from the Director Generals of Archaeology and the National Building Research Organization.

Further, the Acting IGP was advised to record statements with regard to the matter from the Kurunegala Mayor, Municipal Councilors as well as several other officers in addition to personnel from the Road Development Authority.

In addition, the Acting IGP was advised to peruse the CCTV footage surrounding the site and obtain necessary footage for investigations.

The advisory notes the Assistant Director of the Department of Archaeology in May 2020 had written to the Mayor of Kurunegala noting, the ancient Kings Assembly Hall was located at the site which is presently known as the Buvaneka Hotel and should be considered as a historic monument as per the provisions of the Antiquities Ordinance.

Attorney General Dappula De Livera had advised the Acting IGP to record a comprehensive statement from the Mayor of Kurunegala as to how permission was obtained to demolish the building at a time a request was made from the Department of Archaeology to assist in protecting the site.

Coordinating Officer to the Attorney General, State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne speaking to News 1st said the Attorney General on Tuesday held discussions with the Director-General of Archaeology Professor Senarath Dissanayake, Kurunegala Division Superintendent of Police and personnel from the Special Investigations Unit of Kurunegala on the progress of the criminal investigation taking place over the demolition of a building with archaeological value in Kurunegala, namely the Buvaneka Hotel.

She said the Attorney General also held discussions on the matter with the Director-General of the National Building Research Organization.