COLOMBO, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka will launch a program to identify and protect 1,000 previously unrecognized sites with archaeological value, a deputy minister said on Wednesday.

People enjoy the sunset view on a bridge at the Galle Face Green in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Jan. 8, 2021. (Photo: Xinhua)

Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake said the initiative, themed "1,000 Archaeological Sites, a Heritage for Life," will begin with a survey covering all parts of the country to map sites of potential historical significance.

The deputy minister said the program will combine government oversight with community participation, with plans to set up local-level community conservation committees tasked with maintaining and safeguarding identified sites.

Many heritage locations remain undocumented in Sri Lanka, Dissanayake said, adding that the aim is to preserve them for future generations.