Archaeology Dept. to amend Antiquities Ordinance

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Department of Archaeology is to amend the Antiquities Ordinance.  A draft with the relevant amendments is being prepared with the necessary instructions received from the Buddhist Advisory Council to amend the Act, Senior Professor Anura Manatunga, the Director-General of Archaeology told News 1st. According to the Antiquities Ordinance and the Penal Code, a person who steals antiquities could face 03-years of imprisonment or a fine of Rs. 500,000. Meanwhile, the artifacts at the Kotawehera Rajamaha Viharaya in Rambukkana are yet to be recovered, Sri Lanka Police said. It was reported on Saturday (Feb. 12) that five gold caskets and three crystal caskets kept at the Kotawehera Rajamaha Viharaya were stolen. The general public is requested to call 071 859 1419 if they have any information regarding the theft, the Rambukkana OIC noted.