Excavations in Ilukkumbura have revealed more information on our pre-historic ancestor, the Balangoda Man. It is believed that the pre-historic Balangoda Man had lived in the Lunugalge cave for a long period.

Archaeologists, headed by Professor Raj Somadeva, are working tirelessly in the excavation site as they cannot miss any important clue on the life of our pre-historic ancestors. The excavations have unearthed an important clue that shows the growth of intelligence of the pre-historic man during the period of transformation from the hunter to the farmer.

This is a primary stone wall and has been set up in a manner of the safety barrier is the oldest to have ever been discovered in Sri Lanka. (Please see video).

Professor Raj Somadeva added that, at first sight, anyone would assume that this wall was built recently. He said:

However if you look at this more closely, you will be able to notice the chunam in between the stones.  We carried out a test on the soil here to determine the pH scale and understand if it is acidic or basic and we learnt that the soil here is basic or alkaline. That means the pH scale is over 7 and therefore this clearly shows that our ancestors were in possession of the knowledge to build walls.

During this excavation, Professor Somadeva revealed the details of another cave in this jungle.

The discovery of charred grain such as Dikkekuna from the Lunugalge Cave indicated the period of the growth of the Balangoda Man. Bones of small animals and birds consumed after burning them were also discovered from this cave.

Professor Raj Somadeva pointed out that the discovery of shaped glass like rock indicates the beginning of the use of metal, and is a sign of a settlement that lasted for a period of time.

This clay bead with the hole, moves the course of history in to a new avenue.

Professor Raj Somadeva further stated:

We had an issue that we needed to solve on the continuity of Sri Lankan History and we had an issue on a certain period. That was the period of transformation from the hunter to the era where great civilisations started to come up and we need to understand that change.

He also noted:

The date ascertained from the excavation in Lunugalge will provide us with the answers and we are certain that this excavation will provide a definite answer to the dark part of our history

The plains that the Balangoda Man traveled on from the Horton Plains to Balangoda is clearly visible from the Lunugalge Cave. The marks that they left behind have been witnessed in Embilipiitya, Ranchamadama, Bellanbendipelessa and many other areas. This proves that our history dates back to more than 2500 years.

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