Sri Lankan archaeologists have made a significant discovery by unearthing 17 gold-plated Buddha statues from a UNESCO World Heritage site believed to be a monastery more than 2,000 years old. The rare find occurred during excavations of a rampart of the Abhayagiri temple complex in Anuradhapura, an ancient capital in the island's centre north.
Project manager Thusitha Herath of the government's Central Cultural Fund described this as the most significant discovery in the archaeologically protected area in more than three decades. The 17 bronze statues plated in gold feature characteristics similar to artefacts from the seventh and eighth centuries and are estimated to be about 1,200 to 1,300 years old.
Herath noted that while artefacts have been found before, this is the first time such a large number of statues have been discovered. The statues were found buried at random within the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The Abhayagiri temple complex is part of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, a site of immense historical and cultural importance. The area is known to have embraced a diverse mix of Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana doctrines of Buddhism, attracting scholars and pilgrims from China and India hundreds of years ago.
This discovery underscores the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka and highlights the importance of preserving such sites. The Central Cultural Fund has been carrying out excavations following the international recognition, which also imposed conservation responsibilities on the government.
Future Plans and Public Display
Herath mentioned that the statues have been sent for further testing and it is hoped they can be put on public display within about a month. This will allow the public to appreciate the historical and artistic value of these ancient artefacts.
The discovery not only enriches our understanding of Sri Lanka's past but also provides a valuable resource for education and tourism. It highlights the need for continued archaeological research and preservation efforts in the region.
