The pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, reflects a long history of its nations. From archaeological evidence of prehistoric settlements and prehistoric man of Balangoda (Deraniyagala, 1998) to modern kottu food like American pizza; make up the great cultural diversity of Sir Lanka. By analyzing the definition of cultural heritage in the Sinhala language, the definition given in the legislations of 1940 and its relationship with the Athens Charter and the UNESCO convention of 1954, I will demonstrate the vision of cultural heritage embedded in the society at through the legal definition. Furthermore, I will offer critiques and recommendations for a better approach to defining cultural heritage in Sri Lanka in a broader context. According to the Sinhala language, the word "Sanskruthika Urumayan" reflects the translated form of the English word cultural heritage. The word “Sanskruthiya” means culture and “Urumayan” means both tangible and intangible forms from past to present. Considering the legislative definition I have chosen to define cultural heritage according to the laws of Sri Lanka, it is important to see the period of its origin. Sri Lanka, named Ceylon, was colonized by the British throne, from the early 1830s until February 4, 1945, Independence Day (quote). Therefore, the following legislative document of Sri Lanka was framed in 1940 under colonial rule before independence and the word referring to cultural heritage is antiquities. According to the Ceylon Antiquities Ordinance of 1940, it recognizes all monuments which are, stand or are found in Sri Lanka (in Ceylon) as ancient monuments if they are dated before 1815. Furthermore, it defined a monument as “temple, church”. , monument, other structure or erection ...... middle of paper ......ity in cultural heritage, these aspects must be included. The inclusion of trees in the materialistic system of antiquities based on historical aspect needs to change according to the Sri Lankan belief system. Because considering the belief context in Sri Lanka, Buddhists in particular have historically and spiritually significant trees such as Sir Maha Bhodiya (sacred symbol of Buddha) which was planted in the 3rd century BC (World Heritage Convention of the UNESCO). Therefore, inclusions of heritages such as nature should accept spiritual values. Furthermore, it should extend to all ethnic groups in Sri Lanka. Even though the definition does not specify distinct ethnic groups, to have diversity in the country, it is necessary to identify the heritages of the different nationalities of Sri Lanka. Additionally, the theme of ownership needs to change because the value of every asset cannot be measured on one scale..