Sri Lanka’s archaeological heritage, deeply rooted in history and culture, has long been a subject of fascination and study. This article is written based on the valuable insights shared by Prof. Robin Coningham of the Department of Archaeology at Durham University, United Kingdom. These insights were gathered during his visit to the University of Kelaniya for the International Workshop on Ancient Urbanisation in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan Archaeology, based on indigenous talent, is making waves on the world stage. The field of Archaeology continues to advance, adopting new methods and international viewpoints, building on the foundations set by pioneers such as Prof. Senake Bandaranayake and Dr. Siran Upendra Deraniyagala. Recognising the value of international collaboration and innovative approaches, senior archaeologists in Sri Lanka committedly work to bring Sri Lanka’s cultural legacy to the forefront.
As archaeological techniques continuously advance, the world has witnessed the incorporation of these new methodologies. One such area is geophysical survey, a method extensively used in the UK and Europe, but not as widely in South Asian countries such as Sri Lanka and India. Geophysical survey is a cost-effective alternative to excavation, especially in the face of economic constraints. It aids in identifying which structures to excavate and formulate precise research questions, ensuring that archaeological efforts are not left to chance.
The other area is dating, which plays a crucial role in Sri Lankan archaeology. One of the pressing questions is determining the age of key features, such as Sri Lanka’s intricate irrigation systems, like the cascade system. Traditional methods relied on textual records, such as the Mahāvasa and Kulavaśa, linked to inscriptions. However, archaeological methods, which also consider inscriptions, offer a more comprehensive perspective. They have allowed for the dating of the beginning of tank cultivation, which dates back to about 400 BC.
Traditional approaches
In terms of dating, traditional approaches relied on dating materials such as charcoal, which could be challenging due to its variable nature. Modern techniques, such as Optically Stimulated Luminescence dating (OSL dating), are now used to date the soil based on the last time it was exposed to sunlight. This methodology is particularly helpful under tank bunds, where it can determine the last time the soil was exposed before it was covered up. OSL dating offers insights into how the irrigation system functioned, when it stopped, and whether it was a gradual or sudden process.
This approach can be combined with microscopic analysis to distinguish between single disaster events and gradual silting or disuse of tanks. Therefore, by incorporating geophysical survey methods and modern dating techniques, Sri Lanka can significantly enhance its archaeological investigations, ultimately increasing its potential for further development. When considering the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, it is important to note that the United Kingdom also faced its own economic challenges. The UK dealt with a significant economic crisis marked by a high inflation rate of 10 percent and a pressing cost of living crisis. In contrast to Sri Lanka, the UK has to contend with harsh winters, which contribute to rising energy and heating bills. This illustrates how economic challenges can manifest differently in various regions due to unique circumstances and factors.
Amid the prevailing economic situation in Sri Lanka, travellers are increasingly concerned about getting good value for their money. They are planning their vacations more thoughtfully, considering factors such as the cost and the sacrifices they might have to make in their home country to go on holiday. Therefore, addressing this crisis involves raising awareness. The improved knowledge and appreciation of historical and cultural resources would ultimately lead to an increased level of interest and support from visitors and travellers, which will assist the preservation and investigation of those locations.
New areas
One often overlooked sector in Sri Lanka is pilgrimage tourism. When analysing the possible areas to consider, understanding the nature of tourism is crucial, particularly given experience in Nepal, where distinct tourism sectors exist. Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha in Nepal, as well as Kapilavastu, his childhood home, have witnessed archaeological discoveries that have fuelled the growth of pilgrimage tourism, attracting large numbers of visitors from India, East Asia, and China. When this work began in Nepal, there were around 20,000 to 30,000 pilgrims visiting annually. Just before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, this number had surged to 1.2 million.
While the numbers have since reduced to a million, there is a potential for pilgrimage tourism. Pilgrimage tourism largely relies on individual interests and self-driven exploration. Nepal’s “Visit Lumbini” campaign, which began in 2017, serves as an instructive example. This initiative focused on raising awareness and promoting archaeological discoveries in Lumbini, leading to a substantial increase in the number of visitors. For instance, the excavation within the Mayadevi Temple revealed some of the earliest structures, generating global excitement.
Just like the enthusiasm surrounding India’s moon landing, people remain captivated by the allure of archaeological discoveries. The unpredictability of these findings adds to the thrill, making archaeology a continually exciting field.
Focusing on pilgrimage sites could rekindle interest in this facet of tourism and highlight the significance of these destinations. Collaborative efforts, such as the exhibition with the Buddhist organisation “Fo Guang Shan,” held in Taiwan, offer significant promise. This exhibition, primarily featuring photographs and remarkable artefacts related to Lumbini, attracted a million visitors in just three months. Importantly, these visitors were inclined to go on a pilgrimage to Lumbini as a result of their prior exposure to the exhibition. This illustrates the potential of breaking away from conventional travel routes and promoting lesser-known sites.
Looking at a completely different sector, particularly in Southeast Asia, the strong religious ties between Myanmar, Thailand, and neighbouring regions offer immense potential for pilgrimage tourism. Anuradhapura, traditionally one of the major pilgrimage centres within the Indian Ocean, is supported by Chinese descriptions and early Islamic material excavated from the area. This form of tourism, often driven by people’s desire to visit sacred sites such as the Sri Maha Bodhi or the Temple of the Tooth, is less influenced by economic conditions.
In the past, particularly during the 1980s and early 1990s, the cultural triangle was a buzz of activity with extensive site excavations, creating an atmosphere of excitement. Nowadays, many of these sites have transformed into curated parks, which may have reduced the overall excitement. To rekindle interest, it is important to leverage social media platforms.
Promoting sites off the beaten track, such as Ritigala, can provide visitors with a unique experience. Unlike curated parks, Ritigala offers a more natural and visually engaging sense of ruins. This diversity and appeal can be a key factor in attracting tourists. Therefore, leveraging social media and offering a new variety of experiences are crucial steps in addressing the challenges in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
Adopting a more comprehensive and integrated approach, as demonstrated by these successful initiatives, can be a way forward to revitalise tourism in Sri Lanka. Embracing these advancements will allow Sri Lankan archaeology to continue exploring its rich historical heritage.
