On September 10, 2024, a press conference was held to unveil the reading of Sri Lanka's largest early Brahmi inscription, recently discovered at the Namalpokuna archaeological site in Dimbulagala.
The Director General of Archaeology stated that Dr. Arjuna Tanthilage from the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology along with the Suleco Institute, provided crucial support in reading the inscription. This assistance was necessary due to the Department of Archaeology's lack of technical facilities, as many of the inscription's letters had eroded over time.
The Director General further noted that a protective fence has been constructed for the inscription, and a cover will be installed to safeguard it before the end of this year.
Professor Karunasena Hettiarachchi and Dr. Malini Dias co-chaired the scholarly committee, with contributions from a distinguished panel that included Venerable Galvewe Wimalakhanthi Thero, Rev. Kantale Sumitha, Prof. Ratnasiri Arangala, Dr. Arjuna Tantilage, Dr. Dammi Bandara, Mr. Buddhi Nagodavithana, Mrs. Dhammika Priyadarshini Gamage, Miss Namali Kannangara, Mrs. Champa Wikramarachchi, Mr. Tanura Dayananda, Mr. Ajith Athukorala, Mr. Indika Withanage, Mr. Jayampath Senanayake, Mr. Manoj Mihiranga, and Mr. I.P.S. Nishantha.
At the press conference, Prof. Karunasena Hettiarachchi, co-chairman of the scholarly committee, revealed significant information about the Dimbulagala inscription.
The inscription, comprising 11 lines, is written in Early Brahmi script and features 23 categories of Early Brahmi characters along with two symbols. Based on the details within the inscription, it has been determined that it was composed during the reign of King Saddhatissa.
The inscription reveals information about three institutions similar to banks named as Moolathana, Devathana, and Badananam Arihathana. It also provides details about various professionals, including teachers, artists, slaves, Brahmins, jewelers, etc.
The professor further stated that this inscription, dating back approximately 2,200 years, is the oldest known record highlighting contributions from a large number of individuals. Additionally, it is suggested that the ancient name of the temple mentioned in the inscription could be Ajagiri.
Professor Ratnasiri Arangala provided insights into the language used in the inscription, while Dr. Arjuna Tantilage discussed the use of modern technology to recover the eroded inscription characters. Additionally, Mr. Buddhi Nagodavithana shared information regarding the royal family referenced in the inscription with the media.
The chief incumbent of the Dimbulagala monastery Ven. Dimbulalgala Rahulalankara Thero, along with members of the scholarly panel appointed to interpret the inscription, former Acting Director General of Archaeology Mrs. Pradeepa Serasinghe, family members of the late Dr. Malini Dias, and the staff of the Department of Archaeology were in attendance.
