By

Nirmala Kannangara

State Minister of Culture and Arts Nandimithra Ekanayake’s plan to introduce cable cars to the Sigiriya rock fortress has caused great concern amongst environmentalists and civil societies.

With the proposed modernization of the Sigiriya rock fortress – one of the few places in the country that maintain an atmosphere of deep piety with a breathtaking architecture and art – the destruction of this splendid rock is inevitable, environmentalists said.

Sigiriya, a UNESCO listed world heritage, is well within a sanctuary. The environmentalists fear that the proposed plan would bring adverse impact on the rock as well as on the wildlife causing enough reasons even the rock to be delisted from the world heritage sites.

State Minister when contacted said that initial steps to introduce cable cars would be discussed after the New Year and added that this project will enable disabled and elderly travellers to reach the summit without hindrances.

“Why do environmentalist and civil groups oppose such a project? Many western countries have this method including Nepal. Recently I met officials from the Cultural Triangle, Archeological Department, Central Environmental Authority, Department of Wildlife and other state departments on top of the Sigiriya rock. There we discussed this idea and they promised to send their views. They too were of the view that this would be a good project. After the New Year holidays, I am planning to take up the matter with the relevant departments and to make a proposal to the government,” the State Minister said.

According to Ekanayake, introduction of cable cars would damage neither the environment nor the Sigiriya rock.

“Other countries have already provided facilities for the aged and the disabled to reach any place they like, but we still have not. By introducing cable cars or lifts to places of interest we could attract even more foreigners to the country,” Ekanayake said.

“As the new move definitely would be detrimental, UNESCO would not approve it. If the plan goes ahead the UNESCO would even delist this site from the world heritage sites,” Director Environment Conservation Trust, Sajeewa Chamikara affirmed.

According to Chamikara, the project is said to boost tourism in the country. But he questioned why the government cannot implement new projects to enhance tourist arrivals rather than destroying the country’s heritage sites.

“Under Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (FFPO), the Department of Wildlife has declared Sigiriya a sanctuary. No one is allowed to carry out any development activity within a sanctuary. This area is also an archeological reserve and if such place is to be developed, an Archeological Impact Assessment (AIA) has to be done to assess the situation of the area before allowing any development project in the area to take place. Even the Central Environment Authority has to carry out an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and allow 30 days for public comments before approvals are granted for any development,” Chamikara said.

According to Chamikara, if cable cars or even lifts are to be introduced to the rock, it has to be drilled in many places.

“This is not a simple operation. Many parts of the rock will have to be drilled for piling. The construction work would affect the wildlife. Who request the government to destroy our heritage sites? Even the previous regime wanted to construct a helipad on the Adam’s Peak and to let interested parties to construct hotels. The strong agitation of environmentalists and civil groups foiled those attempts.

“In 2011, the then government started a road construction through the Sinharaja rain forest but they abandoned it due to UNESCO intervention. This time too, the government would not be able to go ahead without the consent of UNESCO,” Chamikara added.

He added that even if cable cars are introduced, in this way visitors to the summit cannot experience picturesque view of the rock as the cars would take them to the top within a few minutes.

“Locals and foreigners visit Sigiriya to spend few hours in adventurous hiking, not to reach the summit within seconds,” Chamikara pointed out.

He accused State Minister Ekanayake of making a written request to Director Cultural Triangle, Prishantha Gunawardena for initiative plans and to report the minister on relevant procedure to carry out the project.

All attempts to talk to the Director Cultural Triangle to get his views in this regard foiled as he never came to the phone but through his Secretary promised to return the call during his lunch time. However until the paper went for publication, Gunawardena did not return our calls.

Meanwhile Chairman, Sri Lanka Nature Group, Thilak Kariyawasam said that unless a proper feasibility study is done, he as an environmentalist would get foreign expertise in environment and archaeology to assess the extents of harms to the Sigiriya in the event of introducing cable cars to the area.

“Even in 2002 when the UNP government was in power, there was a similar move to introduce cable cars to Sigiriya and to hold cultural carnivals at the foot of Sigiriya rock during nights. We opposed this move and the then government could not go ahead as they were ousted at the 2004 general election. Bringing back the cable car proposal has raised questions whether the new government too wants to hold cultural carnivals at Sigiriya,” Kariyawasam queried.

He further said that the previous regime wanted cable cars for Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) in 2012 but had to stop amidst strong opposition by the environmentalists and civil societies.

According to Kariyawasam, if the government carry out any development without consulting the UNESCO and if that causes any destruction to the site, the UNECO would stop financial assistance to preserve the site.

“If this goes ahead neglecting UNESCO stance, our UNESCO representative will have to give an explanation. Consequently, if the country’s world heritage sites are delisted, the country’s tourism sector would be badly affected.

Kariyawasam doubted how these cables could be fixed without constructing concrete poles that may cause severe impact on the environment.

“Huge posts need to be erected to strengthen these cables. How could these posts be fixed without causing severe damage to the archeological site and the rock fortress? When there was no request from the local or foreign travellers what made the Cultural State Minister to propose such a project? We see everyday the foreigners enjoy climbing up the rock. They love hiking. Even if cable cars are introduced, not a single foreigner would visit the summit in cable cars as they want to experience the long journey instead,” Kariyawasam claimed.

He added, “Politicians think it will facilitate foreigners. But how destructive these projects can be, the politicians never thought of.

Meanwhile Director General Archaeological Department, Dr Senerath Dissanayake said that State Minister Nandimithra Ekanayake has had a discussion with the relevant department heads a few days ago and added that he would be sending his proposals to the Minister in few days after consulting his officials. “We will first send our proposals and later will do an Archaeological Impact Assessment. This proposal is still in its initiative stage and it will take a long time before introducing cable cars,” Dr Dissanayake said.

However Attorney at law specialising in environmental studies, Jagath Gunawardena said that the proposed cable car project is illegal according to the Antiquities Ordinance.

“The Archaeological Department and the Central Environment Authority should carry out an AIA and an EIA respectively in this regard. This is a heritage and archaeological site. Why do we need cable cars to visit Sigiriya?” Gunawardena wondered.

Courtesy:The Sunday Leader