“Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations”. It encompasses both cultural and natural heritage, which are vital sources of identity, inspiration, and sustainable development. Some heritage places possess significance that transcends national boundaries. The concept of World Heritage was established to recognize sites of outstanding universal value to all humanity, regardless of their location. In 1972, UNESCO adopted the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage to encourage international cooperation in identifying, protecting, and preserving such heritage.

Sri Lanka holds a distinguished place within this global framework, with eight World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO. These include the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya; the sacred city of Kandy; the historic Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications; the Golden Temple of Dambulla; the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka; and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Together, these sites reflect the island’s exceptional cultural achievements, spiritual traditions, and rich biodiversity.

Through the World Heritage Convention, States Parties are encouraged to safeguard heritage, nominate sites for inscription, establish effective management and monitoring systems, engage local communities, and promote public awareness. International cooperation and professional capacity-building remain central to ensuring the long-term conservation of World Heritage.

The protection and management of Sri Lanka’s World Heritage Sites are strengthened by the dedicated contributions of the Central Cultural Fund (CCF), the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and the Department of Forest Conservation, whose efforts play a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s cultural and natural heritage for future generations.