Citation:Gunawardhana, Prishanta, Adikari, Gamini, Hathurusinghe, Sriyani, Katugampola, Mangala, Bandara, Nilanthi, Namalgamuwa, Haredralal and Wijesuriya, Dinithi, 2006. Heritage tourism: complexities of land management and archaeological presentation, Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium 2006, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, pp 52.
Date:2006
Abstract:
Ibbankatuwa is possibly the best-known megalithic burial site in Sri Lanka where can be
attractive to, and capable of appreciation. It has grate potentiality to foster tourism. The
massive heritage site, built in 700 BC is great significance. Ibbankatuwa and its environs
is perhaps the most numinous and archaeologically sensitive region which is a major
tourist destination. Most importantly, locating two World heritage sites such as Sigiriya
and Dambulla are playing a key role within the zone. It is obvious that the maintenance
of a massive land area, social life of the people within the land and archaeological
presentation of the site are the major problems currently associated with Ibbankatuwa
which needs to be managed. It is significant to secure the preservation of the site to
promote the enhancement of the character and the appearance of the environs (Boniface
and Fowler, 1993). Moreover, there are complexities of land ownership, land use and
land management which have to be considered as a whole.
More than ten hectares of land owned by the Archaeology Survey Department where
twenty families are residing but they are not allowed to build permanent houses. Apart
from that open land is used for agricultural purposes; basically the cultivation of grain
and banana but these interventions also brings its problems to the heritage site. It is clear
that the archaeological presentation in a formidable form is necessary to attract the
tourists. The aim of this paper is to discuss the problems of the site and to provide
suggestions for promotion to tourist attraction.
The creation of the project planning at Ibbankatuwa on the basis of the cultural, tourist,
recreational and educational asset would minimize destructions to the site and earn a
substantial annual income for the country.
