Blog

Aug 23
The depository of Tooth Relic during the Cōḷa Occupation of Anuradhapura?

By Prasad Fonseka Veḷaikkāṛa Inscription – Photo Anuradha Piyadasa From the time the Tooth Relic was brought to Sri Lanka, there were several foreign invasions. The Sri Lankan Chronicles have not recorded any information about the fate of the Relics1 during such invasions in Anuradhapura Period. The Veḷaikkāṛa Inscription provides some important clues on this subject. […]

Aug 23
The depository of Tooth Relic during the Cōḷa Occupation of Anuradhapura?

By Prasad Fonseka Veḷaikkāṛa Inscription – Photo Anuradha Piyadasa From the time the Tooth Relic was brought to Sri Lanka, there were several foreign invasions. The Sri Lankan Chronicles have not recorded any information about the fate of the Relics1 during such invasions in Anuradhapura Period. The Veḷaikkāṛa Inscription provides some important clues on this subject. […]

Aug 19
The Gates of Kandy: An Archaeo-historical Perspective of Balana

By Chryshane Mendis Introduction and geographical position The Balana pass, the key to the Kandyan Kingdom was a pass on the southern edge of the Alagalla Mountain range from which ran the old Colombo Kandy road giving access to the mountain kingdom. This was the most important pass in the Kingdom with the other being […]

Aug 18
Velikkara (Vellakkara) Inscription at Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka

This is one of the well-preserved inscriptions in Sri Lanka. Reign – After the death of Vijayabahu Period – 12th century A.D. Script – Grantha Tamil and Sinhala Language – Tamil Mixed with Sanskrit Introduction The Velaikkaras rebelled against King Vijayabahu (1055-1110 A.D.) in his 30th year refusing to fight against the Colas and they […]

Jul 26
20th Century Historians: Rev. Fr. S G Perera

By Chryshane Mendis The student of the colonial history of Sri Lanka has undoubtedly come upon the name of S. G. Perera in their studies. Fr. S. G. Perera, a Catholic Priest of the Society of Jesus was an exemplary scholar of the last century and whose parallels are unheard of. Publishing over a dozen […]

Jul 24
The Fortress of Colombo: What else remains?

By Chryshane Mendis My research into the remains of the Fortress of Colombo led me to identify 7 locations in total which all belongs to the Dutch built Fort. The previous article dealt with my identification of 3 sections of the Dutch fort lying within the Navy Headquarters; that is the entire Dan Briel bastion, […]

Jul 20
Defiling Modern Warfare: The Jaffna Fort

Chryshane Mendis Introduction Sri Lanka is home to several Dutch forts found throughout the island in varying size; much of the Dutch forts have survived the ages and some being in mint condition such as the massive Galle Fort which is a World Heritage Site. Another interesting fort known to many is the Jaffna Fort […]

Jul 16
The story of two Arabic Epigraphs found from the Ambalangoda Harbour

Mahinda Karunarathna, Apprentice Graduate, Regional Office, Central Province, Department of Archaeology. [email protected] – 0719945046 Dr. Mohamed Sulthan Mohamed Saleem, Senior Lecturer, Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya. [email protected] W.M Chandrarathne, Officer in Charge & Project Manager, Maritime Archaeology Unit & Maritime Archaeology Museum, Galle project, Central Cultural Fund. [email protected] […]

Jul 12
20th Century Historians : D.W. Ferguson

By Chryshane Mendis Program Coordinator, archaeology.lk Chryshane Mendis Historical researches undoubtedly require reference to original sources; at present much of the original literature on Sri Lanka both local and foreign have been reproduced and translated into the present vernacular. This tedious task has no doubt aided the modern student of history to dig through original […]

Jul 11
Kotte Heritage 3: The Bastions and Passes

Chryshane Mendis Bastions and Passes are important elements of fortifications. The Passes, large and small give access to and from a fort and at times of war would be heavily guarded. Bastions are fortified projections on the ramparts of a fort from which defenders could easily defend the rampart as well as attack enemies due […]