Galle Heritage Foundation

Hospital Street, Fort, Galle.

Telephone No : +94-91-2246784 , Fax : +94-91-2246784 , E-mail : herifo@sltnet.lk

Chaireman : Parakrama Dahanayaka

Offi Tel : ++94 91 2246784

Mobile : ++94 077 7721547

Mission

Conservation, development and promotion of the Galle fort and its hinterland as a historic city and an area of archaeological importance.

Establishment of the Galle Heritage Foundation

Few decades back, the Department of Archaeology took action for the conservation and protection of the Galle Fort by enforcing the system of law which was applicable in respect of other antiquities and monuments scattered around the island.

However, being the Galle Fort a heritage which enshrines a host of significant features relative to other monuments a separate specific body and a system of law were required for its conservation, preservation and development. Likewise, cooperation and active participation of the residents of the Galle Fort were realized as an essential factor in this respect, for it is a living city.

Ultimately, subsequent to a series of discussions held with the participation of political representatives, relevant government bodies’ professionals and stakeholders, the Galle Heritage Foundation was established by the Galle Heritage Foundation Act. No. 7 of 1994.

At the establishment of the Galle Heritage Foundation, active participation and co-operation of the community residing in the Galle Fort has been emphasized and reiterated in connection with the conservation, preservation and development of the Galle Fort and its historic hinterland while paying proper attention towards the well-being of the residents. This situation is conspicuously implied and depicted by the main objects which prompted the establishment of the Galle Heritage Foundation.
Objectives

To promote the preservation, conservation and development of the Galle Fort together with its historic hinterland, as a historic city center and as an area of archeological interest;

Subject to the provisions of written law, to acquire hold maintain and dispose of any immovable and movable property within the Galle Fort and its historic hinterland which has historical, cultural or aesthetic value;

To promote interest among the residents of the Galle Fort in the preservation of the houses, buildings and other property within the said fort and its historic hinterland and to educate such residents, on the conservation and preservation of the said fort and its historic hinterland and on the historical, cultural, archaeological and aesthetic aspects of the said fort and its historic hinterland and to re-construct, renovate, conserve, upgrades, restore and fine new uses for, the houses and buildings in the said fort and its historic hinterland.

      To provide access to, and facilities for the enjoyment of the Galle Fort and its historic hinterland.

To promote the general welfare of the residents of the Galle Fort and of its historic hinterland.

     To do all such other acts or things as may be necessary for the accomplishment of all or any of the above objects.

Major Tasks :

To accept research regarding Galle Fort and the past history of the ground, supply funds publishing results of research.

Maintenance of public facilities, improvement and development  of Galle Fort and inside post-historic ground subject to instructions  given by Department of Archaeology , Urban Development  Authority, Galle Municipality, Coast conservation Department and Sri Lanka Tourist Board

Establishment and maintenance  of places of shelter, after observing educational Institutions, Museums, Laboratories and research centers, and to conduct workshops

To encourage occupants of Galle Fort, the value of conserving  houses, Buildings and other items of archaeological value remaining inside Galle Fort  and to construct, repair and  renovate  the existing houses and buildings to present position

The Board of the Management -:

Ex - officio Members -:

The Director General or his nominee;

The Chairman of the Urban Development Authority or his nominee;

The Minister of the Board of Ministers of the Southern Province to whom the subject of Cultural affairs has been assigned or his nominee;

The Divisional Secretary appointed for the Divisional Secretary’s Division within which the Galle Fort and its historic hinterland lies;

The Mayor of the Galle Municipal Council or his nominee;

The Director of the Post Graduate institute of Archaeology or his nominee;

The President of the Netherlands Alumni Association or his nominee;

The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority or his nominee;

The Director General of the Central Cultural Fund or his nominee;

The Chairman of the National Aquatic Resources Agency or his nominee;

The Director of the Department of National Museum or his nominee;

The Director of the Department of Coast Conservation or his nominee;

The Director, Architectural Conservation of monuments and sites, of the University of Moratuwa or his  nominee;

The District Secretary Galle.
Other members, namely -:

Six persons appointed by the Minister

Six persons appointed by the ex-officio members

For further information and pictures visit to www.galleheritage.lk