A crucial discussion on the conservation of the newly discovered clay structure—the first of its kind in Sri Lanka—and a significant brick monument at the Samangala Archaeological Complex was recently held at the site. The discussion, chaired by the Director General of Archaeology, Prof. D. Thusitha Mendis, brought together an expert committee to deliberate on preservation strategies.
The Samangala archaeological site, which the Ampara-Batticaloa Regional Office of the Department of Archaeology of Sri Lanka has been excavating since 2022, has yielded remarkable findings.
The meeting aimed to develop a strategy for in situ conservation of these structures with minimal intervention, ensuring they remain accessible for future research and public appreciation.
Eminent scholars and officials participated in the discussion, including Emeritus Professor Vidya Jyoti Nimal de Silva, Prof. Mangala Katugampala from the University of Kelaniya, Dr. Aruna Rajapaksa from the University of Peradeniya, Director of the Department of Archaeology Prasanna B. Ratnayake, Assistant Director of Planning Mr. Aruna Kanamiwela, Ampara-Batticaloa-Trincomalee Regional Assistant Director Mr. DSA Munasinghe, and Regional Excavation and Museum Officer Mr. STG Priyantha.
As part of its conservation efforts, the Department of Archaeology has designated this initiative as its primary training conservation project for the year. The project will serve as a pilot training program for local and international conservators, university lecturers, students, and conservation officers. It aims to enhance conservation expertise while ensuring the protection of Sri Lanka’s invaluable archaeological heritage.
The Samangala archaeological site, which the Ampara-Batticaloa Regional Office of the Department of Archaeology of Sri Lanka has been excavating since 2022, has yielded remarkable findings.
The meeting aimed to develop a strategy for in situ conservation of these structures with minimal intervention, ensuring they remain accessible for future research and public appreciation.
Eminent scholars and officials participated in the discussion, including Emeritus Professor Vidya Jyoti Nimal de Silva, Prof. Mangala Katugampala from the University of Kelaniya, Dr. Aruna Rajapaksa from the University of Peradeniya, Director of the Department of Archaeology Prasanna B. Ratnayake, Assistant Director of Planning Mr. Aruna Kanamiwela, Ampara-Batticaloa-Trincomalee Regional Assistant Director Mr. DSA Munasinghe, and Regional Excavation and Museum Officer Mr. STG Priyantha.
As part of its conservation efforts, the Department of Archaeology has designated this initiative as its primary training conservation project for the year. The project will serve as a pilot training program for local and international conservators, university lecturers, students, and conservation officers. It aims to enhance conservation expertise while ensuring the protection of Sri Lanka’s invaluable archaeological heritage.
