Historic ruins excavated

24 APRIL 2010
By Hirtan Priyankara jayasinghe (Daily Mirror)

The ruins of an ancient building were found on Thursday during the ongoing excavations in Pallama Sri Nandimitra Navavangu Rajamaha Vihara to lay the foundation for a new building. The Chief Incumbent of the temple the Ven. Pothuthukkulame Deerananada Thera believes that the row of granite steps and the moonstone discovered beneath the temple grounds belong to the Anuradhapura period.

The moonstone was about 6ft long and the row of steps was 8ft wide. A granite vessel which had probably been used to grind medicinal herbs was among the artefacts found at the site.

According to tradition, Nandimitra Rajamaha Vihara is said to have been built during the reign of King Dutugemunu (137-161BC) .The Ven. Thera said the Archaeological Department would be requested to carry out further excavations.

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Sri Lanka uses ground penetrating radar mechanism in archeology

Ibbankatuwa

(April 22, 2010) Sri Lanka Department of Archeology says it has successfully finalized a pilot project of using ground penetrating radar mechanism to explore the underground archaeological monuments.

The technology was used in Sigiriya, Ibbankatuwa and Digampathaha archaeological sites to trace the historic monuments, constructions and artifacts that are hidden in soil. Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress believed constructed in the first millennium AD. It is famous for frescoes and is also one of major tourist attractions of Sri Lanka. Ibbankatuwa and Digampathaha are believed cemeteries of pre-historic age.

The Chairman of the National Geological and Mines Bureau Dr. A. Wijayananda says that the use of ground penetrating radar mechanism will be a major breakthrough of Sri Lanka’s archaeology.

Japan has provided aids for the project to use ground penetrating radar mechanism in archaeology.

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Ancient city wall of Polonnaruwa damaged by earth removing machines

(April 20, 2010) The ancient city wall of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka has been damaged by certain elements in a development activity in the heritage city.

Reports from Polonnaruwa said that the damage to the city wall has been done by construction machinery that was deployed in laying water supply tubes.

The foundation and the brick layers of the ancient city wall have been damaged by the earth removing machines, said Dr. Senarath Disanayaka, the Director General of the Archaeological Department.

The wall which was said to have been built by King Parakramabahu the Great to protect the city was destroyed by an organized group using backhoes. More than 200 metres of the wall was destroyed during the last two days.

Due permission of the Archaeological Department has not been obtained for this construction, said the Director General adding that the Department will conduct an investigation regarding the incident.

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