Human skeleton of 30,000 yrs unearthed

Priyanka KURUGALA

For the first time, a full human skeleton of ancient origin was unearthed in Sri Lanka. It was revealed that the skeleton about 30,000 years old. was of a woman, 18 - 30 years, a press conference at the Archaeological Department yesterday revealed.

The Pahiyangala excavation has unearthed evidence of pre historic settlements which have drawn international attention.

The excavation of the Pahiyangala cave in Bulathsinhala, Kalutara, unveiled 239 human settlement layers, evidence of animal species deemed to be extinct, and climatic conditions in pre historic era. It is confirmed that, the Anatomically Modern Human (Homo sapience) had settled in Sri Lanka between 50,000 - 40,000 years ago.

125 soil layers were studied at Pahiyangala. While excavating the oldest soil layer archaeologists discovered the human skeleton.

The Archaeology Department will send samples to the USA for further studies to determine the age of the skeleton.

Meanwhile experts from Cambridge in England will arrive in Sri Lanka to conduct further studies.

National Heritage Minister Dr Jagath Balasuriya, National Heritage Ministry Secretary Kanthi Wijethunga, Archaeological Director General Dr Senerath Dissanayake, Archaeological Deputy Director Excavation Dr Nimal Perera, former Archaeological Director General Dr Siran Deraniyagala, Pahiyangala Project Officer In Charge Oshan Wedage also spoke.