The annual felicitation ceremony was held on 16th March 2024 at the Auditorium of the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology preceding the AGM of ICOMOS Sri Lanka.
Mr. Samantha Gunasekera, former Deputy Director of the Department of Customs in Sri Lanka was appreciated due to his unparallel role for three decades in preventing illicit trading of Sri Lanka’s priceless cultural objects.
The other professional appreciated during the ceremony was Prof. Munidasa P. Ranaweera, a brilliant engineer, who had contributed immensely for the conservation of great Jetavana and Abhayagiri Stupas at Anuradhapura, restoration of the Sacred Tooth Relic Shrine at Kandy and several other conservation projects. Prof. Ranaweera was also the recipient of the Dr. Roland Silva Memorial Gold Medal for the year 2024, the highest award bestowed by ICOMOS Sri Lanka on unique individuals who have contributed to saving Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heritage.
Considering the lifelong dedication and commitment to the field of cultural heritage honorary membership of ICOMOS Sri Lanka was also conferred upon both Prof. Ranaweera and Mr. Gunasekera.
The Felicitation event was presided by Prof. Gamini Adikari, the President of ICOMOS Sri Lanka. In addition to the members of ICOMOS Sri Lanka, colleagues, friends and family members of Prof. Ranaweera and Mr. Gunasekara also attended this event.
november, 2024