HERITAGE AT RISK: DIGITAL PRESERVATION OF TRADITIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE (TCH) IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

Traditional cultural heritage (TCH) can be defined as diverse type of intangible and tangible heritage related to our ancestors in the ancient time such as cultures, beliefs, practices, ceremonies, indigenous knowledge etc. etc. Novel methods are being used to preserve the dying traditional knowledge in the field of medicine, agriculture, arts and sciences. Moreover, this can be treated as a part of the community and it belongs to the community. Furthermore, it is used in an informal way and practiced as a living heritage. Most of the time TCH has been transmitted orally from one person to another person or to a group of persons. This uniqueness helps to build cultural identity of TCH without undermining its cultural value. Thus, it is important to digitally preserve traditional cultural heritage with the help of novel technologies for the benefit of the present and future generations. With the emergence of new information technologies libraries, archives, museums and information centers have taken action to digitally preserve such priceless intangible and tangible heritage by way of collecting, organizing, managing and providing access to present and future generations as these heritages are at high risk. However, digital preservation is challenging task as it needs funds, trained staff, and the technology. Further, in this electronic era. there are various types of technologies that support for preservation of TCH.