Abstract:
According to the latest excavation, it is revealed that the settlement of Sri Lanka dates back
more than 6th century BC. These periods can be divided as Prehistoric, Proto historic and
historic period. Main objective of this study is to identify when and how the human settlement
of Sri Lanka established in the ancient times. Research method is included both primary and
secondary data collection methods excavation reports of prehistoric and historic. First evidence
of prehistoric settlements was found from the excavations at Balangoda area by Dr. S.U
Deraniyagala and it was identified that those skeleton remains date back to 28000 years ago.
They belonged to Homo Sapiens. There are large number of prehistoric sites in Sri Lanka which
are extremely rich with evidences of prehistoric settlement sites. Pahiyan Cave 47000-5000
years BP, Batadomba Cave 36000- 13000 years BP, Belilena 30000-9000 years BP, Pothana
5800 years BP, Bellanbadhipelassa 12000 years BP, Aligala 5500-4100 years BP can be
mentioned as the examples of prehistoric settlement sites. In Sri Lanka, proto historic period
dates back between 2500-600 BC. This period is regarded as transitional period when
permanent settlement, agriculture, iron usage, pottery industry can be identified as prominent
aspects. As archaeological evidences of this period, Red ware 5300 BC and Black and Red ware
3100 BC from Dorawakakanda site, burials from the Pomparippuwa site such as
Ranchamadama, Ibbankatuwa, Haldummulla and remains of a foundation of a house from
Ranchamadama were found from several excavation. During the excavation at Anuradhapura
inner city covering 5 km, it was excavated evidences of pottery usage, agriculture, brick usage
of the ancient shelters in Sri Lanka. According to the inscription found from the sites such as
Rambukkana, Diyagama, Pokunuwitw and Galapatha, it is clear that ancient settlement in the
country prevailed continuously from historic period. According to the archaeological evidences,
it is also clear that the ancient settlements of Sri Lanka which was limited by the historical
chronicles, have been prevailed in various areas in different periods.
