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Dangerous and meticulous work copying Sigiriya frescoes in Bell era (1896) (Excerpted from Sigiriya Paintings by Raja de Silva, retired Commissioner of Archaeology) RE-DISCOVERY AND DOCUMENTATION (Early Visits) Source:Island The village of Sigiriya is mentioned in the 16th century book of Sinhala verse titled Mandarampura-puvata. From then on, the site seems to have disappeared from the public record until its rediscovery in the 19th century. Major Forbes of the 78th Highlanders and two companions rode from Polonnaruva through Minneriya and Peikkulam in search of Sigiriya, and reached the site early in the morning of a day in April 1831 (Forbes 1841). They returned to the site two years later and Forbes explored further the cavernous walled gallery on the western side of the great rock, which led towards the summit. Forbes was surprised to observe a durable plaster on the brickwork of the wall, while above the gallery, especially in ...