14 March 2024 12:00 am
The finds included the archaeological remains of ponds and several buildings which were indicative of a sophisticated society in Polonnaruwa area
Prof. Prishantha Gunawardene of the Archaeological Studies Division of Kelaniya University said that evidence of that pre-historic civilization came to light during the recent research project implemented by Kelaniya and Jaffna Universities with the help of La Trobe University of Australia and the Central Cultural Fund.
He said that the researchers used radar scanners penetrating through the crust of the earth deeper into the inner strata to lay bare the archaeological evidence of the ancient civilization.
“We launched the excavation project to conduct research on the urban civilization that existed during the Polonnaruwa period. A team of archaeologists of Kelaniya University, Jaffna University, La Trobe University of Australia, the Department of Archaeology and the Central Cultural Fund carried out research in the archaeological site of King Parakramabahu’s royal palace and its surroundings. They used modern technology in research. The project is to be completed by February 26.
“The main object of the excavation project is to find archaeological remains of the urban life that existed in the ancient Polonnaruwa city. The researchers use modern technology including radar scanners to examine the remains of antiquated civilization. This resulted in extensive research on more than eighty percent on Polonnaruwa inner city. It is of significance that the researchers have made a forward stride beyond the archaeological remains of King Parakramabahu’s royal palace, the conference hall, and the ponds, and discovered the archaeological evidence of a historic civilization buried about three metres deep in the ground.
“The finds included the archaeological remains of ponds and several buildings which were indicative of a sophisticated society in Polonnaruwa area that dates back to a period much farther than the Polonnaruwa period recorded in history. Archaeologists are conducting further excavations based on the finds. This would open the gate for wider knowledge of the historic Polonnaruwa city and we would take step to provide the opportunity to the tourists to watch the grandeur of the historic city in the far gone days,” Prof. Prishantha Gunawardene further said.