Ancient stone tablet found in paddy field

Chamikara WEERASINGHE

Archaeologists have succeeded in deciphering the text of an old stone tablet found recently in a paddy field in the Watinaapaha area in the Gampaha district.

The ancient inscription belongs to the Kotte era and has been traced to the King Buwaneka Bahu era (1521-1550), Archeology Department's Assistant Director S. Namal Kodithuwakku yesterday said.

The epigraph provides historic evidence to an ancient title deed that was gifted to the Maha Sangha by King Parakramabahu during an early period.

The writing in tablet is in 14 th century Sinhala, said Kodithuwakku.