Godawaya archeological site
A human skeleton, estimated to be at least 7000 years old, several other
pre-historic stone tools including animal remains have been unearthed
from the Godawaya archeological site in Ambalantota.
Archaeologist, W.K. Sanath said a team of archaeologists initiated research
after discovering the tools made of granite and quartz used by the pre-historic
man from the abandoned quarry. They removed the skeleton for laboratory
tests. The archaeologist said the Department of Archaeology in collaboration
with a German Archaeological organization is conducting research.
“The quarry had been abandoned about ten years ago. We noticed pieces of
quartz on a part of its wall. The pre-historic man might have used tools made
of granite and quartz. We carried out excavations in the area to find any traces
of a human habitat of the pre-historic age. A German scholar who is conducting
research on pre-historic civilizations for his doctorate helped us,” he
said.
Excavation Officer Upali Jayasinghe said, “During the excavations we discovered
a skeleton of a pre-historic man as we expected. The human skeleton was found
in a burial chamber with its head pointing to the North, sources from the Department
of Archeology said.
Godavaya (or Godawaya) is a small fishing hamlet located at the mouth
of the Walawe river, between Ambalantota and Hambantota in the Hambantota
district in southern Sri Lanka.
It received its name, originally Goda Pavata Pattana or Gota Pabbata
Pattana from a huge rock overlooking the Indian Ocean, at the foot of
which it is situated. The original harbour town was an entrepot on the
maritime silk route from at least the 2nd Century CE.
Godavaya is also the site if a wildlife sanctuary. The beach is important
for nesting Leatherback turtles.
Created : April 10, 2009
Updated :
April 10, 2009
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