Ancient settlements unearthed in Jaffna

Anuradhapura Group Corr.

Archaeological excavations have unearthed remains of ancient human settlements in Vadamarachchi East area, Archaeology Director General, Dr. Senarath Dissanayake said.

"We have found evidence of three old human settlements in these areas. They have spread over an area covering nearly three kilometres and are vitally important to prove the historical background of Jaffna peninsula", he said.

"We have also found clay pots of varied colours depicting the time frame. They will help archaeologists to determine the era of their usage. They are believed to have belonged to the years between the beginning of BC and upto 900 BC. However, we can't say exactly what era these settlements belong to, the Director General said.

"We have already completed the excavation work in Jaffna peninsular. Our findings have pointed to a location identified as Kadurugoda which is known as Kandarodai where we have unearthed remains of a large monastery (Sangawasaya).

Archaeologists believe that Kandarodaya belongs to ironic age and there are sufficient evidence to suggest that these human settlements in Kandarodoi lead to the existence of a very old history in the peninsula", Dr. Dissanayake said. Wallipuram golden scroll provides vital facts to determine the history of Jaffna peninsula. According to archaeologists, this Wachipuram scroll belongs to the 2nd century.

We have also found a provincial palace (Yuwa Maligawa) and its pond belonging to royalty. We also hope to identify the archaeological sites in places such as Mannar, Jaffna and Kilinochchi and establish their identities in the near future, Dr. Dissanayake said.