About Us
Central Cultural Fund
Spanning over four decades of existence, the Central Cultural Fund has completed a commendable task in conserving and preserving the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. The Institution played a key role in archaeological excavation and research, conservation, and the presentation of a vast number of monuments scattered over these early and medieval kingdoms. The gigantic stupas of Abhayagiri and Jetavana, including the monastic structures, medieval brick structures, and city walls of Polonnaruwa, the palace and the royal gardens of Sigiriya, the Painted Caves of Dambulla, the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and the surrounding four Devala complexes at Kandy, were among the major monuments conserved under the UNESCO-Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle Project.
Established under an Act of Parliament: [Act No. 57 of 1980]
The Central Cultural Fund has the power to receive funds from donor institutions and agencies in Sri Lanka and abroad and utilize such funds for heritage conservation and management activities. The Central Cultural was the implementing agency for the UNESCO-Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle Programme from 1980–1997, which was a role model for such conservation drives in the Asian region. This was the largest ever heritage conservation program carried out in Sri Lanka and one of the most successful UNESCO-sponsored programs. The Central Cultural Fund’s high-powered Board of Governors is chaired by the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and comprises around 12 members, including at least six Cabinet Ministers.
The Central Cultural Fund is one of the principal heritage management institutions in Sri Lanka. The institution covers archaeological investigations, conservation of built heritage, artifacts, murals, other decorative works, etc., and scientific research related to heritage conservation. Additionally, the provision of heritage information and the development of visitor infrastructure at heritage sites are also managed. Beginning with six heritage sites, the CCF now handles 24 major projects located throughout the Island. The scope of the institution has been widened in the new millennium, and the activities have spread to other parts of the island as well. Accordingly, the Southern Cultural Promotion Zone and the Wayamba Cultural Quadrangle were established.
During the past few years, the activities have further widened to cover the Northern, Eastern, Sabaragamuva, and Western Provinces and Badulla District. Replica School also functions as an educational institution and as a producer of quality replicas. The Publication Unit of the CCF also plays a major role.
Apex institution managing Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage as an outstanding resource for diverse benefits of the nation.
To undertake scientific research, conservation, interpretation, development of and promote cultural heritage so that direct social, spiritual, educational, economic benefits of cultural heritage could reach entire nation, while ensuring that it is handed over to the next generation in full richness in terms of its heritage values.
Ministry Hierarchy
Board of Governors
Organization hierarchy leads to future success.
Minister's Message
It is a fact known to all of us that the Central Cultural Fund is performing a paramount task disseminating to the world, the glory of ancient Sri Lanka while protecting the valuable archaeological monuments and cultural heritage for posterity.
The world community has an optimal opinion of the temples, Stupas, reservoirs and anicuts built by our ancestors and our intangible cultural heritage. Further it is our responsibility to ensure its qualitative and sustainable development.
The Central Cultural Fund, Initially commencing operations with only five projects and expanding its activities presently to cover all the provinces in Sri Lanka to engage in archaeological development activities and bring about the scholarly study and research, needs particular appreciation.
I sincerely hope and pray that the Central Cultural Fund will have the opportunity to identify correctly its objectives and goals and go ahead with its qualitative activities.
Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs
DG's Message
The Central Cultural Fund is one of the apex institutions managing Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage as an outstanding resource for diverse benefits of the nation through undertaking scientific research, conservation, interpretation, development of and promotion of cultural heritage. While benefiting the country in social, spiritual, educational and economic terms, the cultural heritage could reach the entire nation. We are obliged to ensure and handover the tangible and intangible cultural heritage to the future generation in full richness, in terms of their heritage values.
After commencing operations in 1980 with six projects under UNESCO – Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle Program, currently, the institution has extended its activities throughout Sri Lanka, over twenty-four projects. The activities of the Central Cultural Fund further expanded over Museum management, Publications, Marine Archaeological activities, Replica production and Laboratory research.
The Central Cultural Fund anticipates using the latest technologies to intensify the country’s rich cultural heritage values to an international degree in a broader perspective. Further, we intend to realize our objectives via capacity building, responsible employment, high-quality scholarly research, information accessibility, national and international collaborations and community-based heritage protection approaches, to commensurate the national cultural heritage sector to the agendas of sustainable development of the country.
Hence, I hope that this institutional website will cater to you the best in fulfilling your information needs and enhancing your engagement with us.
Prof. Gamini Ranasinghe
Director General
