Sri Lanka's highest level pre-historic burial ground in Haldummulla

(August 28, 2010) Sri Lankan archeologists have discovered a pre-historic burial ground from Haldummulla in Badulla district.

Prof. Raj Somadewa of Archeological Post Graduate Institute of Kelaniya University that led the research team for excavating the burial ground says that it is over 3200 years old.

The ancient cemetery found 4000 feet above the sea level is the pre-historical burial ground so far found from the highest ground of the country, he said.

The archeologists have excavated very ancient stone tools from the corpse chests found in the burial ground.

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Illegal constructions in Sigiriya halted

(May 24, 2010) The Director General of the Department of Archaeology of Sri Lanka Dr. Senarath Disanayaka has instructed the Central Cultural Fund officials to suspend the controversial constructions in world heritage site Sigiriya.

Media and activists criticized the construction of a system of sewage with toilets and latrines near the ancient lion’s mouth entrance to the rock fortress. The Director General of Archeology suspended the construction until a re-evaluation is carried out regarding the construction plan. He said that the construction was approved following a series of consultation of relevant authorities and experts.

The construction of Central Cultural Fund cafeteria was permanently halted by the Director General, Department sources said.

These decisions were taken when the Director General visited Sigiriya yesterday with his officials.
Sigiriya is a rock fortress with beautiful paintings and graffiti belonged to a time as far as 5th century AD and it is one of the major tourist attractions of the island.

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Megalithic cemeteries with tombs found in Sri Lanka

(October 30, 2009) Two cemeteries belonged to the megalithic period have been identified in the Horowpothana divisional secretary area of Anuradhapura district in the NorthCentral Province of Sri Lanka. The two cemeteries are situated near Andiyagala village of Gomarankadawala and  close to Sinhalawagahaththikaweva (tank/reservoir).

These cemeteries are believed to belong to the period from 8th to 4th century BC, says the Eastern Province Assistant Director of the Archeological Department M.A.J.R. Madagammana.

The cemetery found from Andigala is spread in around 20 acres with 12 tombs already discovered. The other cemetery found from Sinhalawagahaththika around five acres large and five tombs have been discovered so far.

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