The Enigmatic Balangoda Man: Unraveling the Prehistoric Heritage of Sri Lanka – By Nadeeka – eLanka Sri Lanka’s rich tapestry of prehistoric heritage dates back tens of thousands of years, with the Balangoda Man being one of the most intriguing discoveries. This term describes the ancient human inhabitants of the island during the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene periods. This article explores the fascinating story of the Balangoda Man, shedding light on their lifestyle, culture, and profound impact on our understanding of human evolution in South Asia. The Discovery of Balangoda Man The tale of the Balangoda Man begins in the early 20th century when pioneering archaeologists and anthropologists explored Sri Lanka’s prehistoric sites. One of the most notable figures in this field was Dr. P.E.P. Deraniyagala, a renowned Sri Lankan paleontologist and prehistorian. His extensive research in the Balangoda region, particularly at sites such as Batadomba-lena and Fa Hien ...

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                   THE SECRET OF THE SANDS – by Bernard VanCuylenburg Epilogue. Pursuant to the articles which I wrote last year, “An Odyssey – A Search for Heritage, parts 1 and 2 “) following a foray into the cornucopia of ruins buried in deep jungle well off the beaten track, I embarked on a similar venture in March this year. I am passionately moved by the treasure trove of what could be the best in ancient Sinhala civilization, possibly the life force of Sinhala culture which remains buried in the sands still awaiting the archaeologists spade, and I wish to share my experience with a wider circle of lovers of history. Parting the veil of time, an unknown sculptor, architect, engineer, master craftsman, even a poet, reached out to me and held my hand leading me across the centuries in my quest. I read somewhere that “Quotations are thefts of other peoples wisdom.”  ...

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