COLOMBO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka will implement UNESCO recommendations to preserve the status of world heritage accorded to the colonial fort in the city called Galle in southern Sri Lanka, a minister said here on Monday.
Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayake told reporters after an observation tour of the area.
The Galle Fort, built by the Portuguese first in 1588 and fortified by the Dutch later, risked the loss of its status as a world heritage site earlier due to the delay in implementing some UNESCO recommendations.
The minister said the UNESCO had recognized this as a world heritage site due to its ancient architectural and monumental value, and the government now had decided to implement these recommendations in an accelerated manner.
"We want to protect Galle Fort as our heritage. Unless we take steps right now, the site will deteriorate," he said.
