What Caused the Fall of Polonnaruwa? New Excavation Seeks Answers

COLOMBO (News 1st); A major new archaeological excavation aimed at uncovering the urban development and eventual decline of the ancient Polonnaruwa Kingdom has commenced through a collaborative initiative involving the University of Kelaniya and Australia's La Trobe University.

The latest excavation marks the fifth phase of a long-term research project on the urbanisation of Polonnaruwa that began in 2024, with researchers hoping to unlock new insights into one of Sri Lanka's most influential ancient capitals.

Senior Professor of Archaeology at the University of Kelaniya, Prof. Prishantha Gunawardhana, said the project is being carried out with the support of the Department of Archaeology, the Central Cultural Fund, the University of Jaffna and the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology of the University of Kelaniya.

The current phase of excavations is focused on the area surrounding the northeastern gate of Polonnaruwa's outer fortifications and the vicinity of the Lotus Pond located in the outer city.

Explaining the significance of the selected sites, Prof. Gunawardhana said recent technological surveys had revealed a series of unusual landscape features.

"The main reason for selecting this area was the LiDAR survey we conducted last year. Across this zone, we observed several elevated land features. We identified around 20 to 30 mound-like formations rising approximately 70 to 80 centimetres above ground level."

"Our objective is to determine the relationship between the archaeological remains associated with these mound formations and to understand the information they may reveal. Another excavation is also being carried out behind Siva Devale No. 2. The primary objective there is to determine the depth of the cultural layers and establish a scientific chronology for the site based on the evidence uncovered," he said.

Previous excavations and explorations have already revealed important details about ancient Polonnaruwa. Archaeologists discovered that the open area located in front of King Parakramabahu's Royal Palace and Audience Hall had once functioned as a sophisticated water garden.

Surveys conducted using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and LiDAR technology also led to the discovery of the remnants of several ancient ponds hidden beneath the landscape.

The project is also receiving technical support from La Trobe University in Australia, bringing advanced scientific methods into the exploration of the ancient city.

Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's second ancient kingdom, served as the island's capital between 1070 and 1215 AD. The city's inner precinct is home to some of the country's most celebrated archaeological monuments, including the creations of great rulers such as King Vijayabahu I, King Parakramabahu the Great and King Nissanka Malla.