The Department of Civil Defense has been entrusted to protect artifacts and archaeological sites from the 1st of January. 

A programme in this regard will be jointly implemented by the Department of Civil Defense Force and the Department of Archaeology. 

President Maithripala Sirisena made this disclosure while taking part in an event organized by the Seva Vanitha Unit of the Civil Defense Department held at the BMICH.

He pointed out that the deterioration of artifacts and historical sites is a deterioration of cultural values and civilization of a country. 

The President commended the commitment and the contribution made by the Department of Civil defense during the war and for the development drive. 

The members of the civil security force had to face many difficulties due to the commitments they made.

Handing over of title deeds to the families of Civil Security Force and granting of scholarships as well as school books to their children also took place under the patronage of the President.