Category: Articles

Introduction to Life in Sri Lankan Archaeology Archaeology, the scientific study of the material remains of the human past is a unique field in where the participant while digging up the past is exposed to an array of diverse cultures and environments. It is a field that requires a strict discipline in conducting one’s self […]

Dhanesh Wisumperuma Independent researcher and a freelance writer The Martello Tower is a type of fortification constructed by the British in the 19th century. This was a small round fortification of about 20-25 feet in height and could garrison up to 20 – 30 men. Their round structure made it resistant to bombardment and was […]

Chryshane Mendis Program Coordinator, archaeology.lk The ramparts are an important feature in fortifications which serve as the defensive wall protecting the camp or city. Ramparts were used in the ancient world to protect a city, a military camp or a border. Due to the insecurity of the ancient world in comparison to the modern era […]

Chryshane Mendis Program Coordinator, archaeology.lk Chryshane Mendis Introduction This series ‘Kotte Heritage’ would explore the archaeological and heritage sites of the Kotte Kingdom. Kotte, before becoming the Capital in the 15th century was first developed as a fortress in the late 14th century by Nissanka Alakesvara to serve as a base for his attacks on […]

By Chryshane Mendis There are only few places that have had human associations from the prehistoric times and throughout all the ages up to the present. Pilikkuththuwa is one such place that has been a part of the human history of the island from prehistoric times to the present. This enchanting place is situated in […]

Chandima Bandara Ambanwala Department of Archaeology & Heritage Management, Rajarata University of  Sri Lanka, Mihintale. Translated by. Chryshane Mendis Chandima Ambanwala When looking at the history of prehistoric research in Sri Lanka, the last stage could be considered as the modern period which began from 1969. When going through the prehistoric explorations conducted during this period and […]

Dr.H. Nimal Perera Dr. Nimal Perera Halawathage Nimal Perera, born on the 23rd of December 1953 is a prominent prehistorian of Sri Lanka and was the former Director of Excavations and Acting Deputy Director-General of Archaeology; he is currently the Director of Sabaragamuwa Province of the Central Cultural Fund. He received his BA in Archaeology […]

Chandima Bandara Ambanwala Department of Archaeology & Heritage Management, Rajarata University of  Sri Lanka, Mihintale. Chandima Ambanwala Based on the qualitative features of the Prehistoric studies in Sri Lanka, it could be divided into three distinct periods. The previous article dealt with the beginning of Prehistoric research in Sri Lanka, this article would discuss the intermediate […]

R. M. Mangalika Rajapaksha Research Officer, Central Cultural Fund, Anuradhapura. Translated by Chryshane Mendis Introduction Mangalika Rajapaksha Civilization in 3rd century BC Sri Lanka was a highly cultured one (Pagnasara Thero 2005:10) with a tradition of continuous written records. Writing is an important feature in the evolutionary process of human communication (Bandara 2008:1) but the […]

By Chryshane Mendis Chryshane Mendis Excavation of the prehistoric site cave of Alugalge is conducted by the Field Archaeology Unit of the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR) led by Professor Raj Somadeva and a team of Researchers from the PGIAR and University students. The excavation which is funded by the PGIAR and the National Science […]