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Kitulgala Beli Lena Cave – archaeological treasure trove By Arundathie Abeysinghe Home to a plethora of wildlife and breathtaking vistas, prehistoric Beli Lena Caves (cave of shells) are situated on a steep path on a hillside, located inside from a ledge that looks down over verdant rubber plantations at *Kitulgala Estate about 610 meters above sea level. This huge cave has been home to the prehistoric *‘Balangoda Man’ (Homo sapiens balangodensis) where 16,000 year old skeletal remains had been found. Beli Lena Caves reveal a significant landmark in human paleontology as they reveal remains of primitive man. These caves have also yielded other artifacts such as geometric microlithic stone tools as well as evidence of fire use belonging to around 30,000 BP. These artifacts are significant for Asia as these tools are considered to have first originated in Europe around 12,000 BP which prove that Sri Lankan ‘Balangoda Man’ has ...