The Team

Prof. Anura Manatunga

Founder Director

Senior Professor,
Department of Archaeology,
Faculty of Social Sciences,
University of Kelaniya
am@kln.ac.lk

Prof. Anura Manatunga is a Senior Professor of the Department of Archaeology and the Founder Director of the Centre for Heritage Studies of the University of Kelaniya. He was appointed as the Director General of the Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka since the year 2021. Prof. Anura Manatunga was the Head of the Department of Archaeology from 1996-2002 and the Director of the Polonnaruwa Project of the Central Cultural Fund from 1999-2014. He held the Honourary Librarian post of the Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka and the Vice President of the Sri Lanka Council of Archaeologists. Professor Manatunga is the Founder of the International Federation of Teaching Archaeologists and Historians (IFTAH) and the Founder Secretary General of the International Association for Asian Heritage (IAAH).

Books

Kanda Saha Mitiyawata [Mountain and Valley] (2000) Raddolugama: An Author Publication. Poetry in Sinhala.
Sigiri Chita [Sigiriya paintings] (2000) Ja-Ela: Samanti Publishers.
Natabumak Mata Hinda Liyami [Writing while sitting on a Ruin] (2005) Raddolugama: An Author Publication. Poetry in Sinhala.
Ehelepola Devani Rajjuruvo [A biography of the Prime Minister of the last King] (2005) Ja-Ela: Samanti Publishers.
Matale Distrikkaya: Pauranika Stana Saha Smaraka.[Matale District:AncientMonuments and Sites](2005)Government of Sri Lanka: Department of Archaeology.
Kuvenita Liyapu Kavi [Poems written to Kuveni] (2006) Raddolugama: An Author Publication. Poetry in Sinhala.
Pulatisipura Puranaya [Antiquity of Pulatisipura] (2007) Colombo: Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Narakesak Dutu Esin [Through an eye which saw a gray hair] (2009) Raddolugama: An Author Publication. Poetry in Sinhala.
1818-Pratama Nidahas Satane Purogamiyo [Pioneers of the First Independent Struggle 1818] (2011), Colombo: Ministry of Culture and the Arts.

Editorial Works

1. "Sigiri Chitravala Sailiya Pilibanda Keti Satahanak" [Note on the style of Sigiriya paintings],InVasundara, 2, Journal of the Archaeology Student Society ofUniversity of Kelaniya, 1985.
2. "Sigiri Chita: Nawa Arthakatanayak" [Sigiri Paintings: A New Interpretation] In Paryeshana No: 2, The Bulletin of the Archaeological Research Team of University of Kelaniya, 1986.
3. "Kandalame Tara Devaganage Rupaya Newata Soyageneema"[Rediscovery of the Painting of Goddess Tara from Kandalama]. In Vimasuma, Vol.2, 1987.
4. "Sigiri len Chitra. [Cave Paintings of Sigiriya]. Vidyodaya :The Journal of the Vidyodaya Institute of Pali and Buddhist University of Sri Lanka, 1988)
5. "An Interpretation of the so-called Proto - Siva Seal from Mohenjodaro". In Studies in the Decipherment of the Harappan Script and Harappan Seals,Colombo: Tamarind Books, 1988.
6. "The Kiri Oya Valley", In The Settlement Archaeology of the Sigiriya Dambulla Region. Edt. Bandaranayake, S. Mats Morgan and S. Epitawatta. Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, 1990.
7. "The Maradammaduva -Tabbova Culture: Terracottas found at Manaveva in the vicinity of Inamaluva". In The Settlement Archaeology of the Sigiriya Dambulla Region.1990
8. "Mohenjodaroven Soyagath Mudrawala Dekwena Manawa Saha Satva Rupa PilimbandaVimarshanayak"[An Analysis on the Zoomorphic and Anthromophic forms on the Seals discovered at Mohenjodaro]. In Kala Sangarava(The Quarterly Journal of the Art Council of Sri Lanka) Vol. 38& 39, Sep. Dec 1991.
9. "Sigiri Chitra Walin Nirupita parani Sri Lankika Streenge Vastrabarana[Costumes and Ornamentation of Ancient Sri Lankan Women as Depicted by the Paintings at Sigiriya]. In Kala Sangarava 40, March 1992.
10. "Sigiri Chitra: Takshanaya Saha sailiya" [Sigiri Paintings: Techniques and Styles]. In Kala Sangarava 43, Dec. 1992.
11. "Stupa Pesave Sanketartaya" [Symbolism of the Stupa Pesava]. In Sanskrutika Puranaya(The Sinhala Quarterly of the Central Cultural Fund) Vol.1, No.3, Sep.1992.
12. "Sigiri Chitravala Visayak Kshetraya" [Subject Matter of the Sigiri Paintings]. In Kala Sangarava, Vol 43, 1992
13. "Paranavitanage Puravidya Keneem". [Archaeological Excavations of Paranavitana], In Sanskrutika Puranaya 1, No. 4, Dec. 1992.
14. "Brahmi Akshara malawe Prabhavaya Pilimbada Getalu".[Problems of the Origin of Brahmi Script]. In Sanskrutika Puranaya,1, No.5, March 1995.
15. "Sigiriyen Soyagath Aprakata Bitusituwam dekak". [Two Lesser Known Paintings from Sigiriya].In Kavtukagara, The Sinhala Bulletin of the National Museums Department of Sri Lanka, Vol.2, No.1, 1995
16. " Alakolawewa Len Viharaye Chitra" [Paintings at the Alakolaveva Rock Shelter} In Sanskrutika Puranaya, Vol.2, No.1: 1995
17. Research Potentiality in Sri Lanka for studies on the Origin of Agriculture: A feasibility Survey. In Retrospect, No 1: 1996.
18. "Sri Lankawe Parani Chitra Saha moorti Pilimbanda paranavitanage paryeshanapilimbada Vimarshanayak" [An analytical study on Paranavitana's contribution to the field of ancient Sri Lankan Paintings and Sculpture].In Studies in Social Sciences, Journal of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya. Vol.1, No. 1, 1996
19. "C.P. Bellge Puravidya katautu Pilimbanda Samalochanayak" [Archaeological activities of H.C.P. Bell].In ChirantanaNo. 1, Raddolugama, E.M.I.P. Ekanayake. 1996.
20. "Sri Lankawe Pragaitihasika Paryeshanawala Itihasaya pilimbanda Samalochanayak" [A summary of the Prehistoric Researchers in Sri Lanka] In Chirantana, 2, December 1996.
21. "Balaya Bedima Saha Aitihasika Sampradaya". [Devaluation of Power and the Historical Tradition]. In Balaya Beda Herima; Atitaya, Vartamanaya and Anagataya, by Chndraratana Bandara, Colombo, Government Press, 1997.
22. The First Urbanization of Sri Lanka: An Investigation into Nagarasites referred in the Early Brahmi Inscriptions, In Bulletin of the Indo- Pacific Prehistory Association. No 16, Edt. Peter Bellwood, Canberra. 1997.
23. "Chayarupa Puravidyawata praveshayak" [An Approach to Photo-Archaeology] In Lanka Camera" Vol 4 , No I, Magazine of the Sri Lanka Association of Photographers, 1999.
24. Buddhist Epistemology and Archaeological Reasoning, Retrospect 5, 1999 .
25. "Sri Lankawe Puravidya Paryeshana Sandaha Mulashra Ayatanayak Lesa JatikaLekhnagharaye Vedagathkama". [The importance of the National Archives as a information center for Archaeological research in Sri Lanka].In Souvenir to Mark the National Archives Week –1999. Dept of National Archives, Colombo. 1999.
26. " R. Ayarton: Duragamanaka Arambhaya ". [ A Beginning of a Long Journey : E.R. Ayarton 1912 -1914], In Chirantana :. No. 4, November 2000.
27. "Polonnaruva: Puravidyathmaka Praveshayaka Avashyatavaya: [Polonnaruva: A need of an Archaeological Approach] In NissankaVol. 01, No. 01, Alahana Parivena Project Central Cultural Fund, Polonnaruva, 2000.
28. "Ellepola Maha Nilame" [A booklet jointly written with Bandara Manatunga on biography of Ellepola Maha Nilame who fought with English at the Kandiyan Uprising in 1818]. Raddolugama, Indrani Ekanayake, 2001
29. "Madugalle Udagabada Nilame". [A booklet jointly written with Bandara Manatunga on Madugalle Udagabada Nilame who fought with English at the Kandiyan Uprising in 1818]. Raddolugama, Indrani Ekanayake, 2002.
30. "Kiulegedara Mohottala". [A booklet jointly written with Bandara Manatunga on Kiulegedara Mohottala who fought with English at the Kandiyan Uprising in 1818]. Raddolugama, Indrani Ekanayake, 2002.
31. "Archaeological works of H.C.P.Bell", In Sri Lanka HeritageVol I, 2003.
32. "The Lost Goddess at Kandalama", In Sri Lanka HeritageVol II, 2004.
33. "Beyond the Artifacts and Ecofacts" in Essays in Archaeology; in honour of Professor Senake Bandaranayake, Godage international Publications, 2004.
34. "Monaravila Keppetipola"A booklet written for the commemoration of Monaravila Keppetipola, the leader of the 1818 uprising. Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, 2004.
35. " Pratama Nidahas Aragalayata Uradun Vayamba Putrayo".[ Sons of the North-Western Province who are involved in the 1818 uprising Vayamba Puthra Prasadini , Central Cultural Fund , 2005.
36. "Puravidyava: Ehi Aramunu Saha Vishyak Kshshtraya". [Archaeology: It's aims and scope ] Purathana, Central Cultural Fund. 2005
37. " Polonnaruva Purana pana Nagaraya Lesa handuna Genima".[Identification of Polonnaruva as the ancient Pana Nagara], In Essays in Archaeology ; Inhonour ofProfessor H.T. Basnayake, Godage International Publications, 2005
38. "Tissamaharamayedi Miyagiya Puravidyangnaya'. [Archaeologist who died at Tissamaharama] , In Hambantota Distrikkaya, Central Cultural Fund, 2005.
39. "Cereal Cultivation in the Horton Plains: Prehistoric or Later Historic?" in Retrospect, No. 6, 2006.
40. "Gal vihara Pratima handuna ganeme Prayathnayak". [ An attempt to identify images at Gal Vihara] In Pranama: Professor Nandasena Mudiyanse Felicitation:Colombo, S. Godage Publishers, 2006.
41. "Britanyan yatate Nilatala hebau matara Prabhuvaru 1823-1900 [ Elites of Matara who held posts under the British 1823-1900] . In Matara Vamsaya :Ministry of Culture and national Heritage, Government of Sri Lanka. 2008.
42. "Sinhala- Muslim riots in 1915: an index of documents deposited at the National Archives, Sri Lanka". In Retrospect No. 7
43. Excavations at the World Heritage City at Polonnaruva" in "Abhijnan: FelicitatingA.K.M. Zakariah", BAR International Series, 2009.
44. "Polonnaruve Puravidya Paryeshana Katautu" [Archaeological research activities at Polonnaruva]. In Pulatisi Vamsaya: Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, 2009.
45. "Sri Lanka and South East Asia during the period of the Polonnaruva kingdom". In Nagapattinam to Suvarnadvipa:Singapore National University, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 2009.
46. " Marga Sanskrutiye Sannivedana Lakshana: Rata Vahanawala Yoda ati Pradarshana Patha Pilimbanda Vimarshanayak".[Communication features of the Road Culture: An analisis on the display legends on vehicles] In Sanstuti; Prof. Chandrasiri Palliyaguru FelicitationVolume, Godage Brothers, 2009.
47. "Uve mulkaleena Ingreesi palanaya saha Maha Kerelle pasubima". [Early English administration of Uva and the background of the Great Rebellion], In Festschrift for Professor S.B. Hettiaratchi, Nugegoda, Sarasavi Publishers, 2010.
48. "Nelum Pokuna, Polonnaruva" In the monograph issued to mark the declare opening of the Nelum Pokuna Mahainda Rajapaksha Theatre, Government Information Department, 2011.
49. "Tagore's influence on the art and culture of Sri Lanka" in Contemporarising Tagore and theworld,Dhaka, University of Dhaka, 2013.
50. " Murusi Dupate Sirakaruvo" .[Prisoners in Mauritius island ] , Booklet written with Bandara Manatunga, Raddolugama, E.M.I.P. Ekanayaka. , 2013
51. "Kalinga – Sri Lanka relations : Patronage to Buddhism by Kalinga king Nissanka Malla (1187-1196 AD) of the Polonnaruva kingdom" in Buddhism and Maritime Heritage of South East Asia: Bhubaneswar, Odishan Institute of Maritime & South East Asian Studies, 2014.
52. " Sri Lankawe Jana Lekhana ekreskirima saha sanrakshanaya" , [A report on Collection and conservation of Folk Archival materials in Sri Lanka], Five Year Development Plan 2014-2018, Ministry of Culture and the Art, Government of Sri Lanka. 2014.
53. "International politics, foreign policies and museums in Asia", Museum in motion: Ideas, issues and challenges, Kolkata, University ofCalcutta, 2014.
54. "Udarata Rajjyaye bindaweteema Saha Ingreesi Adipatyaye Arambhaya".[Fall of the Kandyan kingdom and the begging of the English Administration], 66- Nidahasata Sampraveshayak: Monograph published to mark the 66^thIndependence day of Sri Lanka. Government Information Department. 2014.

Editorial Consultancy

Selected Publications

Editorial Consultancy

Dr. Mangala Katugampola

Director

Senior Lecturer (I),
Department of Archaeology,
Faculty of Social Sciences

University of Kelaniya

srilal@kln.ac.lk

Dr. Mangala Katugampola is a Senior Lecturer of the Department of Archaeology and the Director of the Centre for Heritage Studies of the University of Kelaniya. He was the Head of the Department of Archaeology of the University of Kelaniya from 2019 - 2021 and also worked as the Director of the Archaeological GIS unit of the Central Cultural Found (CCF).

Research Interests

Computer archaeology, Spatial studies in Archaeology, Field Archaeology, and Photography

Positions Held

Research Articles

The Team

Prof. Anura Manatunga

Founder Director

Senior Professor,
Department of Archaeology,
Faculty of Social Sciences,
University of Kelaniya
am@kln.ac.lk

Dr. Mangala Katugampola

Director

ABOUT US

ACTIVITIES

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The Team

Prof. Anura Manatunga

Founder Director

Senior Professor, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniyaam@kln.ac.lk

Dr. Mangala Katugampola

Director

ABOUT US

ACTIVITIES

QUICK LINKS

Search

Senior Professor,
Department of Archaeology,
Faculty of Social Sciences,
University of Kelaniya
am@kln.ac.lk