Browsing by Author "Wijesuriya, D."

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Administration of Udugampola, sub kingdom: A Historical and Archaeological Legacy
(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Wijesuriya, D.
This paper aims to bring forward with a new perspective of the remaining factors concerning the historical and archaeological backdrop of Udugampola, a sub kingdom of the Kotte kingdom existent in the history of Sri Lanka. A trail of provincial administration ruled by deputies under the guidance of the king can be observed at certain periods in the history of Sri Lanka. Such an administrative divisions were called Upa Rajadhani or sub kingdoms. Udugampola at the Gampaha district is one of such sub kingdoms of the Kotte kingdom. The available historical sources such as the battle of Alakeshwara in Rajaawaliya provide proof for the fact that King Sakalakala Wallakabahu, the son of Veeraparakramabahu VIII of Kotte had ruled this region, during the Kotte period. The palace of the king of Udugampola was at the premises of the present Uttararama temple, where a pond and remnants of a moat is still being identified. However, this legacy is diminishing with each passing day. In the spotlight cast over prominent ancient kingdoms such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the value and importance of ancient sub kingdoms like these with archaeological significance stands diminished. With very limited discussion about these sites, the possibility to be forgotten over time threatens the existence of their evidence.
Archaeological Heritage in Biyagama Division
(University of Kelaniya, 2006) Gunawardhana, P.; Namalgamuwa, H.; Bandara, N.; Wijesuriya, D.; Saldin, M.; Mahoney, T.
Archaeological heritage of the Kelaniya region goes back to the Proto-historic times. The transitional phase from the Mesolithic culture of the Pre-historic period to the Protohistoric or Early Iron Age is revealed in the region. The Proto-historic period in Sri Lanka is believed to be in 1000 BC (Senaviratne, 1985). The black and red ware found from the Pilapitiya, draws our attention to the fact that the Kelani valley region has played a key role during this period. According to the chronicles, Kelaniya had been an organized city and remained a remarkable strategic point from the 3 rd century BC. As ancient Sri Lanka was strategically located on the trade routes between south –East Asia and west Asia, it is suggested that Kalyani or Kalyani pattanam might have functioned as a main sea port of the city where many traders lived and engaged in the international trade. However, due to the rapid development of the socio-economic sector in the country, it tended to change the cultural landscape and also the contemporary appearance of the buildings, monuments and sites. For the investigation of this region as an initial stage, we used the unsystematic survey method which has identified about one hundred thirty seven archaeological heritage sites (Gunawardhana, 2006). The aim of this paper is to discuss the archaeological heritage of Biyagama division and will finish addressing the concepts of archaeological heritage of this environment.
Archaeological heritage: damage and illegal trade in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2007) Wijesuriya, D.
From jungle to village and village to cyber world: social dynamics and Vadda community in Dambana (An ethno archaeological perspective)
(Research Symposium 2010 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2010) Wijesuriya, D.; Indika, M.K.A.
Archaeology is the study of change and it focuses attention on how human societies and their material culture alter and evolve. Analysis and understanding of change lies at the heart of the archaeological endeavor. The study of social dynamics and affected factors of relatively simple societies such as Vadda people has become a main objective in ethno archaeology. This field investigation was conducted among the Vadda people in Dambana with special emphasis on the changes in material culture. In the past, they carried out their traditional hunting and gathering life style as a simple society. Then this community adapted to the settled agro-pastoral life due to the number of social, economic and political factors. Now they have started to join with the cyber world as a result of external influences. Not only the subsistence pattern changed but also most aspects of the life has subjected to the same phenomenon. According to the extent of adaptations two groups can be identified within the Vadda people in Dambana who have different views on the issue. One group has adapted to the Sinhalese culture and the other try to follow the traditional culture for some extent. Number of factors such as losing the traditional lands to continue their hunting and gathering subsistence strategy due to the establishment of Maduruoya national park, deforestation and settlement expansion and development polices of the government, cultural and biological mixture with Sinhalese people, tourism and so on cause to the dynamics of the Vadda community in Dambana. The main problem they have been facing is to protect traditional elements of the culture as far as possible within the modern socio economic realities.
Heritage tourism: complexities of land management and archaeological presentation
(University of Kelaniya, 2006) Gunawardhana, P.; Adikari, G.; Hathurusinghe, S.; Katugampola, M.; Bandara, N.; Namalgamuwa, H.; Wijesuriya, D.
Ibbankatuwa is possibly the best-known megalithic burial site in Sri Lanka where can be attractive to, and capable of appreciation. It has grate potentiality to foster tourism. The massive heritage site, built in 700 BC is great significance. Ibbankatuwa and its environs is perhaps the most numinous and archaeologically sensitive region which is a major tourist destination. Most importantly, locating two World heritage sites such as Sigiriya and Dambulla are playing a key role within the zone. It is obvious that the maintenance of a massive land area, social life of the people within the land and archaeological presentation of the site are the major problems currently associated with Ibbankatuwa which needs to be managed. It is significant to secure the preservation of the site to promote the enhancement of the character and the appearance of the environs (Boniface and Fowler, 1993). Moreover, there are complexities of land ownership, land use and land management which have to be considered as a whole. More than ten hectares of land owned by the Archaeology Survey Department where twenty families are residing but they are not allowed to build permanent houses. Apart from that open land is used for agricultural purposes; basically the cultivation of grain and banana but these interventions also brings its problems to the heritage site. It is clear that the archaeological presentation in a formidable form is necessary to attract the tourists. The aim of this paper is to discuss the problems of the site and to provide suggestions for promotion to tourist attraction. The creation of the project planning at Ibbankatuwa on the basis of the cultural, tourist, recreational and educational asset would minimize destructions to the site and earn a substantial annual income for the country.
How to Modernize a Society with Transportation: Colonial Ceylon in the Late 19th Century
(The International Conference on Land Transportation, Locomotive Heritage and Road Culture - 2017, 2017) Wijesuriya, D.
In this research paper on industrial archaeology, the intent is to demonstrate how novel modern transport from Europe was established and integrated into late 19th century Ceylonese society known for its deeply rooted traditional and conservative way of life. My paper identifies issues, changes, and relevant circumstances pertaining to the integration of new transport technology that transformed society from being largely defined and governed by traditional values and norms to a modern democratic political space. The monsoon winds of the Indian Ocean ushered in British rule, following Dutch and Portuguese, colonial enterprises in Ceylon (Sri Lanka), esp. in the coastal areas. These colonizers initiated a number of economic, social, and religious changes in the society. The plantation economy introduced by the British paved a way for an industrial capitalistic economy. The era and the background, explored in this study is the transitional period of the late 19th century in the socioeconomic history of Sri Lanka. The island started moving into a new phase using the opportunities of the economic revolution. The late 19th century was the rise of a new capitalist class comprised of various castes. Internal transformations occurred in both of the caste and class systems. Even the govigama (prestigious caste of cultivators) sector that was at the upper layer of the Ceylonese caste was also divided hierarchically. At the same time in this colonial era, lowly coastal karawa (fisher folk), durawa (toddy tappers), and salagama (cinnamon peelers) castes came up challenging the govigama. When the motorcar arrived, it became a dominant symbol used by raising new classes, who comprised of these coastal contesting castes, to represent their new wealth along the southwest coast. Thus, modern transport units arrived and gradually helped in establishing a new society as a modern class. The field study primary surveyed historical data collected mainly from colonial documents. The colonial population imported hundreds of unique motorcar models. A unique situation was created across Ceylon as different social statues of the island embraced these new transport machines. My research into industrial archaeology examines the importation of 19th century transport vehicles and how mechanized transportation transformed caste into a class.
The regional expansion of vintage motor cars imported to Sri Lanka in the later part of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century
(2014) Wijesuriya, D.
The regional expansion of vintage motor cars imported to Sri Lanka in the latter part of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century
(Reviewing International Encounters 2015, Research Center for Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Wijesuriya, D.
The latter part of the19th century could be considered as the beginning of considerable changes, taken place within Sri Lankan history. An import export economy came into being where the then economy which was mainly based on agriculture, introduced by the British who came to Sri Lanka in 1815, was changed. In that aspect the infrastructure facilities, the communication system and also the modes of transportation were developed. Development achieved in the field of transportation seems to be most outstanding. The traditional or existing transportation system was more or less primitive and it was restricted mainly to walking, riding on animals, dolawa etc. However in the latter part of 19th century, the motor car which is a product of modern technology started to find its roots in the island. Hence a unique situation was created in the establishment of this island. Different social stratus in the island embraced this motor car. It is understood that the motor car in particular became quite popular even within varying regional circumstances. A system had been introduced in the registration of motor vehicles from 1928 onwards where a letter from A to Z was allocated to each province, Sri Lanka having been divided into 26 provinces. In this research paper, it is expected to present as to how the vehicles imported to Sri Lanka were regionally distributed based on 400 vintage motor cars imported during the latter part of the 19th century taking into account research carried out for five years
The Study of nutritional state of school children in Dabana Prathamika Vidyalaya at Mahiyanganaya, Sri Lanka
(Research Symposium 2010 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2010) Chandimal, K.M.; Wijesuriya, D.
Quetelet's index (W/H2) BMI an anthropometric index is an estimate of body composition that correlates an individual's weight and height to lean body mass. The WHO has recommended the international use of reference values of heights and weights of the children (BMI) compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) of the USA,and has made cut off point for measurements of nutritional impact on children. This study was carried out to calculate the Quetelet's index of children who belong to Vedda population attending Dabana Prathamika Vidyalaya at Mahiyanganaya Sri Lanka and to assess the nutritional status of the children. All student (28) belongs to vedda pedigree Uruvarige,Thalawavarige, Unapanavarige, Moranavarige were included for this study and those who belongs to other pedigree were excluded. The individual selection was based on in verbal pedigree analysis and pedigree was traced back to at least three generation with the help of their parents. Height was measured using a stadiometer measuring up to 2m with the accuracy of 0.1cm.and weight was measured on a portable balance weighing up to 100 Kg with an accuracy of 1kg.The BMI of each subject was estimated. The waterlow classification was used for assessment of nutritional status of each age group male and female. The studied result of mean BMI of children revealed that the age group of 6 to 9 year both male and female groups were undernourished with reference to waterlow (cut off point 13.5) and 10 year male group was undernourished (cut off point 15).The study revealed that the children who belong to Vedda population attending Dabana Prathamika Vidyalaya at Mahiyanganaya were undernourished. The percentage of male children with BMI values less than13.5 is 20% in 1971/73 and 63% in 1993/94 which is lesser than the 66% within this range of BMI in 2010. Male children with BMI values between(13.5 – 14.9) are 60% in1971/73 and 27% in 1993/94 reported in Wikramanayake et al 1994 which is lesser than the 33% within this range of BMI in 2010.The percentage of female children with BMI values less than13.5 is 50% in 1971/73 and 69% in 1993/94 which is significantly lesser than the 84% within this range of BMI in 2010. Female children with BMI values between (13.5 – 14.9) are 50% in1971/73 and 20% in 1993/94 reported in Wikramanayake et al 1994 which is lesser than the 16% within this range of BMI in 2010.
කාර්මික පුර විද්‍යාව හා ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ භාවිත පැරණි මෝටර් රථ
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Wijesuriya, D.
පැරණි වාසස්ථාන පිලිබඳ මානව විද්‍යාත්මක අධ්‍යයනයක් (මිනුවන්ගොඩ ප්‍රාදේශීය ලේකම් කොට්ඨාශය ඇසුරෙන්)
(University of Kelaniya, 2006) Wijesuriya, D.