Oct 28, Colombo: Sri Lanka Central Cultural Fund (CCF) has decided to construct a temporary canopy over the lion foot entrance of the Sigiriya rock fortress.

Sri Lanka's world famous Sigiriya rock fortress was damaged last week after it was struck by lightning during heavy thunder showers experienced in the area.

Sigiriya Project Manager Chandana Weerasinghe said the measure was aimed at preventing the rest of the ruins getting soaked in rain amidst the current adverse weather in the country.

The CCF expects to start restoration after the canopy is built as the archaeological restoration is expected to take time.

However, the sources from the site say immediate steps haven't been taken to prevent water leaking into the damaged area due to the absence of the officials during the long weekend.

Many thousands of local and foreign tourists are visiting the World Heritage rock fortress during the holidays.