UNESCO and Sri Lanka Collaborate to Preserve Anuradhapura World Heritage Site

UNESCO and Sri Lanka convened an International Summit in Paris on April 1st to discuss the preservation of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the universal value of the UNESCO World Heritage site and acknowledged UNESCO's protective efforts. Dr. Amarasuriya highlighted the 75-year partnership between Sri Lanka and UNESCO, recognizing the organization's contributions to intercultural dialogue, heritage conservation, education, sustainable development, and technological advancement. She also mentioned the government's plans to develop Anuradhapura, Jaffna, and Kandy into heritage cities. The summit featured remarks from UNESCO Director Audrey Azoulay, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and representatives from Sri Lanka and UNESCO. The conference focused on sustainable safeguarding of Anuradhapura through the lens of the 'Integrated Heritage Management Programme for the Ancient City of Anuradhapura (IHMPACA)', which aims to address emerging challenges such as urban development, overtourism, and the need for stronger coordination across stakeholders to ensure coherent and effective heritage management.