Through excavations conducted at the ‘number two plot’ of Polonnaruwa Shiva Devalaya, teams have uncovered information about the existence of several items with a ‘significant’ historic value, a top official said on Wednesday (20).

Central Cultural Fund Director General Prof. Prishanta Gunawardena said pottery pieces imported from a foreign country and remains of a crucible were among the items uncovered from the site so far.

He added with the found pieces of pottery, they can assume the international trade links that the old Polonnaruwa kingdom had with foreign nations.

The archaeological excavations of the site commenced under a five year plan in August last year. It has been implemented as an international excavation work under the Central Cultural Fund. 

The archaeological excavations of Polonnaruwa will take place until the year 2020, under the supervision of Professor of Archaeology Robin Canham with the aim finding out more information about the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.

This Shiva Devalaya is considered to be one of the oldest buildings of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom to survive the ravages of time.  This Shiva Devalaya is thought to be built by Tamil invaders (10th century) who initially establish their capital in Polonnaruwa. This building is completely built out of stone finely laid with perfect precision. Due to this reason, this is one of the well preserved artifacts of the ancient kingdom.

Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country, a testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom’s first rulers.