Prehistoric human skeleton discovered in Sri Lanka

Excavations at the Pahiyangala cave in Bulathsinhala, Kalutara confirmed that homo sapiens had settled in Sri Lanka 40,000 years ago, Deputy Director of Archaeology Dr Nimal Perera said. 

Excavations at the Pahiyangala cave in Bulathsinhala, Kalutara [Credit: Priyadharshani Kahawala/Ingiriya]

A skeleton of the Balangoda man was found at the excavation site of the Pahiyangala cave a few days ago, he said. 

It was the first time that a prehistoric human skeleton was unearthed in Sri Lanka, Dr Perera said. 

Following the excavation, more evidence was found about the Balangoda man including his food items, rituals and also equipment made out of stone used by him, he said.  

The skeleton found at the excavation site [Credit: Priyadharshani Kahawala/Ingiriya]

Some ornaments made of beads were also excavated by archaeologists. Other finds include weapons made of animal bone, Dr Perera said. 

Excavations of the Pahiyangala cave started in 1986. Dr W. H. Wijepala, a former Director General of Archaeology conducted excavations under the guidance of Dr S. U. Deraniyagala. 

From these excavations, remains belonging to 12 individuals that resembled the Balangoda man were found.  

Source: Sri Lanka Daily News [June 19, 2012]