Sri Lanka, July 8 -- The Archaeology Department has introduced a reward scheme for informants, raiding Police officers and Archaeological and Public Officers to encourage them to join the fight against theft of and damage to valuable artefacts, Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi told Parliament yesterday.

Under the Sri Lankan Antiquities Ordinance (Chapter 188), the Archaeological Reward Fund is designed to incentivise the recovery of illegally exploited artefacts. Drafted regulations outline specific allocations of the recovered fines or values to compensate those involved in the seizure and reporting process.

Under departmental regulations, 50 percent of the fine paid by offenders in cases...