Samangala pre-historic graveyard indicates well-developed culture

Prof. Thusitha Mendis initiating excavations

 First grave discovered at Samangala archaeological site

By Wasantha Chandrapala 

A pre-historic graveyard has been found in Samangala jungle monastery in the Uhana division, Ampara district. A team of archeologists are at present carrying out excavations under the guidance of Director General of Archeology Prof. Thusitha Mendis. They said the graveyard spread over a vast area and that they initiated the project by carrying out  excavations in a grave in the shape of a Stupa, near a boulder.

Prof. Mendis told the media that the ruins of 14 graves dating back to the pre-historic age have been found at the site.  

“The Department of Archaeology has launched the excavation project to lay bare the facts on this pre- historic civilisation. The graveyard is located on a boulder that spread over a vast area. It  comprises of megalithic monuments left by people of the pre- historic age.

“We have divided the graveyard into four quarters and each would undergo excavation in stages. Finds during ongoing excavations include dark red eathenware objects, beads and glass rings. What is most significant are the micolithic tools found inside the graves.

“Samangala has been the seat of a well developed cave monastery after the 3rd century BC. We believe that the monastery would have been influenced by this pre-historic culture and based on it. It is important that we have identified it as a culture that used iron and earthenware, beads made of glass coming from a people depending on agriculture and animal husbandry. We have evidence of more such graveyards in the environs  of Samangala monastery. 

Stone caskets

“Several graves with stone caskets have been identified in the surroudings of Samangala which bear evidence of a well developed cultural heritage. The finds, specially the earthenware objects containing ashes or charcoal would be referred to Beta Analytic Service to determine the chronology of the culture that existed in Samangala area,” Prof. Mendis added.

He further said that  it is a clear indication that a well-organised society depending  on multifarious resources existed in Samangala area dring the pre-historic age.

Excavations Officer Prasanna Subasinghe said  a clay pot was among the finds that gave clues  to a pre-historic civilisation that existed in Samangala area.  He said the pot was found at a depth of about one foot. This pot had not been opened yet and further excavations are under way. He said the project is funded by the Dayaka Sabha of Samangala Forest Monastery and the Department of Archaeology. He further said the archaeologists would be able to decide on important facts about  the pre- historic civilisation in Samangala area in the light of these finds.

Chief Incumbent of Samangala Forest Monastery Ven. Wellampitiye Sugatharathana Thero and Asst. Director of Archaeology, Eastern Province, Anuhas Munasinghe were present when the project was inaugurated.