Diploma in Archaeology and Cultural Tourism (DACT)
Diploma in Archaeology and Cultural Tourism (DACT)
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Developing Professional Excellence in Heritage Interpretation through Archaeology and Cultural Tourism
Sri Lanka possesses one of the world’s most remarkable cultural heritage traditions, characterized by an extraordinary wealth of archaeological monuments, historic cities, sacred landscapes, traditional knowledge systems, museums, and living cultural practices. As a globally recognized heritage destination, the country requires highly competent professionals capable of interpreting its cultural resources with scholarly accuracy, ethical responsibility, and professional excellence.
The Diploma in Archaeology and Cultural Tourism (DACT), offered by the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR), University of Kelaniya, has been designed to address this need by developing knowledgeable and skilled professionals in the fields of archaeology, heritage interpretation, and cultural tourism.
The programme adopts an interdisciplinary approach that integrates archaeology, history, heritage management, interpretation, communication, and sustainable tourism practices. Rather than encouraging the memorization of historical facts, it equips participants with the analytical knowledge, interpretative competencies, and practical skills required to communicate Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage to diverse local and international audiences.
Vision
To be Sri Lanka’s leading professional diploma programme in Archaeology and Cultural Tourism by producing competent, ethical, and innovative heritage professionals who contribute to the sustainable conservation, interpretation, and promotion of the nation’s cultural heritage.
Mission
To provide high-quality academic and professional education in archaeology and cultural tourism through interdisciplinary teaching, practical field training, and internationally recognized heritage interpretation practices, thereby preparing diplomates to become responsible heritage professionals capable of delivering meaningful visitor experiences and supporting sustainable heritage management.
Why Choose DACT?
The Diploma in Archaeology and Cultural Tourism offers a unique opportunity to develop professional expertise through a comprehensive curriculum that combines academic learning with practical field experience.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
Acquire contemporary knowledge of Sri Lankan archaeology, history, and cultural heritage.
Develop professional heritage interpretation and visitor communication skills.
Understand internationally recognized principles of heritage conservation and sustainable cultural tourism.
Learn from distinguished university academics and experienced professionals in archaeology, museums, heritage management, and tourism.
Participate in educational field studies at major archaeological sites, museums, and cultural landscapes throughout Sri Lanka.
Enhance professional competencies required within the heritage and tourism sectors.
Establish a strong foundation for continuing higher education and lifelong professional development.
Programme Objective
Upon successful completion of the programme, diplomates will be able to:
Demonstrate a sound understanding of multidisciplinary approach in Sri Lankan archaeology and cultural heritage.
Apply internationally accepted principles of heritage interpretation to archaeological sites, museums, monuments, and cultural landscapes.
Communicate archaeological and cultural knowledge effectively to diverse audiences.
Evaluate the historical, cultural, artistic, religious, and technological significance of heritage resources.
Apply principles of sustainable cultural tourism and responsible heritage management.
Demonstrate professional competencies through practical field-based learning experiences.
Contribute to heritage conservation through education, interpretation, and public engagement.
Pursue advanced academic and professional opportunities in archaeology, heritage, and tourism.
Field Studies
Field studies constitute a core component of the programme. Participants will undertake guided visits to major archaeological sites, museums, heritage landscapes, and cultural destinations throughout Sri Lanka to gain practical experience in:
Heritage interpretation
Site presentation
Visitor communication
Professional guiding techniques
Archaeological observation
Cultural landscape interpretation
Programme Highlights
University-recognized Diploma awarded by the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya.
Flexible online learning designed for working professionals.
Comprehensive curriculum integrating archaeology and cultural tourism.
Strong emphasis on professional heritage interpretation.
Lectures delivered by leading academics and industry experts.
Practical field studies conducted at nationally significant archaeological and heritage sites.
Blended learning through online teaching and experiential field training.
Instruction available in Sinhala and English.
Who Should Apply?
The programme is intended for:
Professional Tourist Guides
Heritage Professionals
Tourism Industry Professionals
Undergraduate and Postgraduate students
Individuals with an interest in archaeology, cultural heritage, museums, and cultural tourism
Learning Experience
The programme combines academic instruction with experiential learning through:
Live online lectures
Interactive discussions
Case studies
Heritage interpretation exercises
Professional presentations
Educational field studies
Site-based practical training
This integrated approach enables participants to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical professional competencies.
Career Opportunities
Diplomates may pursue careers in:
Tourist Guiding
Heritage Interpretation
Museums
Archaeological Sites
Cultural Tourism
Heritage Management
Visitor Centres
Educational Tourism
Cultural Institutions
Community Heritage Projects
Course Coordinators-
Dr. Arjuna Thantilage
Assistant Coordinator:
Mr. Jayampath Senanayake
071-8885771
Resource Persons
Teaching is delivered by an experienced multidisciplinary team comprising:
· Professors and academic staff of the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology
· University academics
· Experts from the Department of Archaeology
· Specialists from the Central Cultural Fund
· Museum professionals
· Heritage practitioners
· Tourism industry experts
· Visiting professionals from relevant disciplines
Diplomate Profile
Diplomates of the Diploma in Archaeology and Cultural Tourism will possess the knowledge, practical skills, ethical values, and professional confidence required to serve as competent heritage interpreters and cultural tourism professionals.
They will be capable of:
Interpreting cultural heritage professionally.
Delivering engaging and meaningful visitor experiences.
Communicating archaeological knowledge accurately and effectively.
Promoting responsible cultural tourism.
Supporting heritage conservation through education and public engagement.
Pursuing lifelong learning and continuing professional development.
Course Content :
Course Content :
DACT3115 Cultural Diversity of Sri Lanka
DACT3124 History of Archaeology in Sri Lanka
DACT3135 Ancient Technology of Sri Lanka
DACT3145 Art and Architecture of Sri Lanka
DACT3255 History of Sri Lanka
DACT3266 Cultural Tourism Practicum
Application for the course 👇
Application for the course 👇
The DACT Difference
The Diploma in Archaeology and Cultural Tourism extends beyond conventional tourism education by integrating archaeological scholarship, heritage interpretation, and professional practice. Diplomates are equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with the practical competencies, ethical values, and communication skills necessary to interpret Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage responsibly and professionally.
Join the Next Generation of Heritage Professionals
Become part of a new generation of professionals dedicated to interpreting, conserving, and promoting Sri Lanka’s archaeological and cultural heritage. Through academic excellence, practical experience, and professional training, the Diploma in Archaeology and Cultural Tourism prepares diplomates to make a meaningful contribution to the nation’s heritage and tourism sectors.
Diploma in Archaeology and Cultural Tourism (2019/2020 Batch)
Diploma in Archaeology and Cultural Tourism (2019/2020 Batch)
Contact :
Contact :
011-2667 885 or 071 888 5771
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