Urumaya Conservation Foundation was established in 2019 to generate strategic partnerships and financial support to promote the safeguarding, appreciation and importance of the world’s unique and diverse cultural heritage, with a specific focus on the Asia-Pacific.
Our objectives
The Foundation seeks to:
work in partnership with local government, institutes and community groups in identifying and conserving intangible and tangible cultural heritage
undertake capacity building of local community members in best-practice approaches to cultural heritage conservation, documentation, promotion and interpretation
develop, maintain and support a wide network of contacts and volunteers dedicated to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage
support and facilitate initiatives that promote knowledge and cultural exchange
promote the intergenerational transfer of traditional skills, knowledge and cultural traditions through local community engagement and capacity building initiatives.
Our services
To meet our objectives, the Urumaya Conservation Foundation has a broad scope of services including:
identifying, scoping and facilitating cultural heritage conservation projects
preparing plans, policies and guidelines for the conservation of historic buildings, edifices, streetscapes, towns and villages
developing cultural heritage interpretation strategies, including but not limited to guided walks, talks, music, dance, drama, arts, crafts, displays, signs, brochures and electronic media
developing a comprehensive inventory of tangible and intangible heritage assets in consultation and in collaboration with government organisations and community groups
preparing and reviewing conservation management plans, significance assessments and movable heritage policies and procedures
documenting intangible heritage including art, song, dance, cottage industries and culinary traditions cultural expressions, traditional knowledge and festive events through written, photographic and video archival recordings
fostering the potential of cultural products and cultural expressions by building the capacity of local community, enhancing access to tourism markets and supporting grass roots cultural enterprises to build sustainable livelihoods
identifying and preparing cultural trails including lesser known, less recognised or less renowned heritage sites across the island, including showcasing cultural heritage, points of interest, cultural activities and cultural products
developing websites, apps and brochures for small community artisans and local musicians
building strategic partnerships and networks to generate funding, sponsorship, research, databases and support and engagement of the international network of heritage conservation practitioners
promoting and coordinating volunteer engagement in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage sector
creating accessible markets for grass roots, cultural enterprises to strengthen the tourism sector and boost the local economy
supporting the adoption of appropriate policies and initiatives to ensure that communities, groups and individuals concerned are the beneficiaries with a meaningful role in the development and management of tourism associated with their culture.