Archaeological monuments not cared for

Stanley Seneviratne - Kurunegala North group corr.

Many historic buildings in the North Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces that should be conserved as national heritage buildings have been left unattended. A building called Jubilee Ambalama which was constructed in 1887 by the imperial government is one such.

The building at the turn off to the Kegalle Maha Vidyalaya bordering the North Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces had been used by British officials, planters as a resting place. According to the tradition the chieftains who visited the British Government Agents in Kegalle and Kurunegala put on their uniforms at the Jubilee Ambalama before proceeding to the kachcheri.

A memorial which was built by the police in memory of Sergent Sabahan who was killed during the confrontation with Utuwankanda Saradiel and his men on March 21, 1884 is covered with shrubs although the police recently accorded a gun salute to Commemorate Sergent Sabhan who was the first police officer in the country killed while on duty.

The historic arch-bridge at Mawanella on the Colombo-Kandy main road constructed with only bricks in 1820 is still used by motorists.

This bridge is also covered with vegetation. The arch-bridge which is a unique example of British architecture will be ruined if steps are not taken to protect it.