On July 7, 2026, commemorating the 136th National Archaeology Day and National Archaeology Week under the theme “Bringing Heritage to Life”, the Department of Archaeology of Sri Lanka launched “Urumayata Jeewayak” (Life to Heritage). This landmark nationwide campaign established an ambitious roadmap to scientifically document, excavate, conserve, and safeguard 1,000 historical and archaeological sites across all 25 districts by 2030. Phase 1 immediately mobilized conservation teams across 100 priority sites, utilizing modern techniques such as non-invasive 3D laser scanning, stone consolidation, and chemical preservation on ancient stupas, cave monasteries (Lena Vihara), historic water management structures, and rock inscriptions (Sellipi).
A defining pillar of the initiative is the empowerment of local communities and youth through Community Conservation Committees and School Heritage Circles. By connecting school students and local residents directly to archaeological field sciences, the campaign fosters civic responsibility, counters vandalism and treasure-hunting, and transforms historical preservation into a living, participatory national movement to protect Sri Lanka’s multifaceted cultural heritage for generations to come.