Sri Lanka’s COPA urges centralised digital database for archaeological sites
Daily FT: The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) has underscored the urgent need for a centralised and continuously updated digital data system covering all antiquities and archaeological excavations in Sri Lanka, warning that the absence of such a system undermines effective heritage management, transparency, and tourism promotion.
The issue was raised when the COPA met in Parliament recently, chaired by MP Kabir Hashim, to examine the Auditor General’s Reports for 2021, 2022, and 2023 relating to the Department of Archaeology, alongside a review of the Department’s current performance.
The Committee recalled that as far back as 3 October 2023, it had recommended the establishment of a comprehensive database incorporating details of all archaeological excavation sites, discoveries made, outcomes of excavations, decisions on continuation or discontinuation, and locations requiring future exploration.
However, officials informed the COPA that such a comprehensive system is yet to be established, with existing records limited largely to excavation permits.
Stressing the critical importance of proper data management, the Committee said a centralised system is essential not only for safeguarding national heritage but also for informed policymaking and public access.
The COPA also expressed readiness to extend assistance to the Department of Archaeology to establish the system if required.
The Chair further highlighted serious shortcomings in IT capacity within the Department. Although approval has been granted to recruit 12 IT officers, only one officer is currently in service, and that officer is not attached to the head office.
The COPA instructed officials to take urgent action to fill these vacancies and strengthen technical capacity. The Committee also requested that a formal proposal on the centralised database be submitted within three months.
Members also drew attention to the failure to regularly update the Department of Archaeology’s official website, noting that an up-to-date online presence is vital for tourism promotion and public awareness.
The Committee instructed the Department to develop a mechanism and take prompt steps to update the website.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s digital industry and related sectors have presented a host of business/investment opportunities with the country engaged in economic expansion with the target of becoming a regional hub. Realizing the importance of transforming the country into a digital economy to meet the increasing demand of an emerging business/investment destination in the region, the Sri Lankan government has launched a digitization programme covering all sectors of the country. All key economic sectors in the public and private sectors are currently in the process of being digitized with more areas continuously being identified to undergo digitization. All these activities have resulted in a host of business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s digital industry and related sectors that range from ICT to the development of digital infrastructure. The growth as well as profits recorded by businesses already engaged in the industry and the increasing interest among foreign businesses/investors to explore the opportunities in the industry indicate the increasing business potential in Sri Lanka’s digital industry and related sectors. Given Sri Lanka’s target of achieving regional hub status, being on par with the fast-evolving global digital industry would be important for the country.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260114/Z_4 |