The Government Information Center

1. The destruction cannot be stopped by enacting laws and regulations above, Awareness programmes have to be carried out to educate people on the importance of protecting our heritage and to give false beliefs that prevail among the public regarding treasure trove.
2. Dentification of organized, groups connected with destruction and theft of antiquities in the island and bringing them into the book of law.
3. Taking prompt action on information and complaints received from the public in regard to destruction of antiquities.
4. Coordination of activities of the Regional Archaeological Offices and the Police stations against destruction and theft of antiquities.
5. Preparation of reports for the courts and the Police stations on persons arrested on destruction and theft of antiquities.

The Police Post which is within the premises of the Archaeological Department under the Crimes Division of the Police Headquarters is open during the 24 hours to receive complaints and information from the public.

During the period 04.03.2008 to 31.12.2008 , 208, incidents of destruction and thefts of antiquities have been reported to this special Police Post. 110 incidents have been reported during the period 01.01.2009 to 15.06.2009.

Police Stations in the respective area obtain orders from the Court and the Regional Archaeological Officers conduct inquiries on the information received from public complaints or on the information and advice received from the Head Office and reports on such inquiries will be referred to Explorations and Registration Division of the Head Office and then on the advice of the Director General or Archaeology or of the Director of Exploration and Registration Division, relevant reports will be prepared by the special Police Post for Prevention of the Destruction of Antiquities and will be sent to the Court or Police stations under the Signature of the Director General of Archaeology / Assistant Director in charge of the Explorations Division.

When a destruction or theft takes place or being planned, such information can be intimated to the following address or to the following telephone number. Special Police Post for the Prevention of destruction of antiquities functions throughout the 24 hours.

Special uUnit for the Prevention of the Destruction of Antiquities,
Explorations and Registration Division,
Department of Archaeology,
Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha,
Colombo 07.

Inquiries :
Udeni Wichramasinghe (Explorations Officer)
Hemamali Priyadarshani Wijesinghe (Archaeological Research Assistant)

Tel. No - +94-11-2692840/41
Hotline - +94-117-222333
Extension - 213
Special Police Post for Prevention of Destruction of Antiquities - +94-11-2694727