The Sri Lankan Archaeology acts and ordinances are dated back to 1940. The initial intention of introducing archaeology laws are contradicting the more than 2000 years old tradition of Sri Lankan heritage management.
The initial law related to archaeology in the modern era starts with the Antiquity Ordinance No 19 1940. Then it was amended in 1955, 1998, and 2005.
The Central Cultural Fund Act was introduced in 1980 to establish the Central Cultural Fund.
In 1992, the Sri Lanka Council Of Archaeologists (Incorporation) Act (No. 4 of 1992) was introduced to establish the Council of Archaeologists in Sri Lanka.
Please email to info@archaeology.lk if you have any act or ordinance not listed here.
A collection of Sri Lankan Archaeology acts and ordinances
Antiquity Ordinance No 9 1940
This act was introduced in 1940 to protect the Antiquities. Please read the following research article if you want a comparative analysis of the act.
Download -Â Antiquity Ordinance No 9 1940
A Comparative Analysis Of Antiquity Ordinance No.9 Of 1940 In Sri Lanka With The Current International Standard For The Protection Of Antiquities – Ruchira Rosa, The Open University of Sri Lanka
Central Cultural Fund Act No 57 1980
The Central Cultural Fund was established by this act. It was a well though concept introduced by Dr. Roland Silva to protect and conserve the heritage sites in Sri Lanka. This was introduced in 1980.
Download – Central Cultural Fund Act No 57 1980
Cultural Property Act (No. 73 of 1988)
This is the Cultural Property Act (No. 73 of 1988) of Sri Lanka introduced in 1988.
Download -Â Cultural Property Act (No. 73 of 1988)
Sri Lanka Council Of Archaeologists (Incorporation) Act (No. 4 of 1992)
This act was introduced in 1992 to establish the Sri Lanka Council of Archaeologists.