A 21-year-old woman was remanded yesterday until 26 September for allegedly defacing the historical Sigiriya Mirror Wall, a World Heritage Site.
The suspect, a resident of Avissawella, was arrested by Sigiriya Police on Sunday (14) after reportedly scribbling six English letters on the wall, using a hairpin, while visiting the site with a group of factory workers on a field trip.
Archaeological officers at Sigiriya immediately handed over the suspect to the police. Chief Inspector Tilak Kumara, OIC of the Sigiriya Police, confirmed that she was produced before court under the Antiquities Ordinance.
Authorities stressed that the Mirror Wall is a protected heritage site and that touching, writing anything on it is strictly prohibited. Despite active security and clear warnings, the incident occurred.
The rest of the group reportedly left the site following the arrest. The suspect’s parents later arrived at the police station, with her father stating that it was her first visit to Sigiriya.
