In a surprising turn of events, Professor Anura Manatunga, the Director General of the Department of Archaeology, has tendered his resignation, as confirmed by Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Vidura Wickramanayaka today.

Minister Wickramanayaka revealed that Prof. Manatunga submitted a resignation letter to the Secretary of the Ministry, expressing his decision to step down from his position. The exact reasons behind Prof. Manatunga's resignation remain unclear at this time.

This development comes just days after a significant meeting between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and officials from the Department of Archaeology. During the meeting, which took place last week (08), the matter of the department's acquisition of excess land in the North and East regions was raised.

President Wickremesinghe openly criticized the officials of the Department of Archaeology for acquiring additional land under the guise of heritage properties. In a rather pointed statement, the President even remarked that he could provide history lessons to the department's officials.

The timing of Prof. Manatunga's resignation following the contentious meeting has sparked speculation regarding its connection to the controversy surrounding the land acquisitions. However, no official statement has been released thus far linking the two events.