Since 1979

Department of Archaeology

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Faculty of Social Sciences

UNIVERSITY OF KELANIYA

"Exploring the Past. Inspiring the Future."

Archaeology| Tourism & Cultural Resource Management | Anthropology

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The Department of Archaeology at the University of Kelaniya offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary academic environment that integrates archaeology, Tourism, and cultural resource management, as well as anthropology.

The Department is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and heritage-based engagement, fostering critical understanding of the past while addressing contemporary cultural and social contexts.

TEACHING & ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES

Focused on archaeological theory, fieldwork, material culture, and the scientific study of the past.

Emphasising cultural policy, tourism planning, and community engagement centred on cultural resources.

Exploring social and cultural life through ethnographic and anthropological perspectives.

Postgraduate Programmes

Administered via the Faculty of Graduate Studies, our postgraduate programmes are meticulously designed to integrate a strong theoretical foundation, immersive practical training, and interdisciplinary perspectives aligned with national and global academic standards

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ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICES

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TRIVALENT: Journal of Archaeology, Tourism & Anthropology

Volume 05 | Issue I & I

Volume 06 | Issue I & II

TRIVALENT Journal of Archaeology, Tourism & Anthropology is a peer-reviewed interdisciplinary publication of the Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. The journal provides a platform for scholars, researchers, and professionals to present original research, theoretical perspectives, and applied studies that explore the intersections of archaeology, anthropology, tourism, and cultural resource management. It encourages innovative, cross-disciplinary approaches that advance understanding of human societies, cultural heritage, and sustainable development.

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Previous Journals

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Special Guest Lecture on Nepalese Buddhist Heritages and Tourism

09 January 2026

The Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, reached a significant academic milestone on January 7th, 2026, with the successful conclusion of a special guest lecture titled "Nepalese Buddhist Heritages and Archaeological Sites: Prospects for Tourism." The event, which took place at the Faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium, was a landmark initiative organised by the Archaeology Students’ Society, showcasing the leadership and organisational excellence of the department’s student body.

05 January 2026

The Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, is delighted to celebrate the meritorious achievements of our students who were recently named to the Dean’s List at the Faculty Excellence Awards 2025. The ceremony, held on January 2, 2026, at the Faculty Auditorium for the second consecutive year, was graced by the Dean and the faculty of the FSS. The event recognised students from the Academic Year 2022/2023 for their outstanding academic performance and unwavering commitment to scholarly excellence.

02 January 2026

The Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, is proud to announce the remarkable success of its academic staff at the Presentation of Long Service Awards and Vice-Chancellor’s Awards 2025. Held on January 1st, 2026, the ceremony recognised the exceptional contributions of university staff toward research, international relations, and institutional development. The department secured four prestigious awards, reflecting its standing as a centre of excellence in scholarship and innovation.

Professor Anura Manatunga’s Year of International Excellence

Throughout 2025, Professor Manatunga served as a premier ambassador for Sri Lankan scholarship, traversing a vast geographic landscape to share insights on Buddhist archaeology, heritage inclusivity, and colonial narratives.

The 2025 Research Portfolio of Senior Professor Prishanta Gunawardhana

Senior Professor Prishanta Gunawardhana, Chair of Archaeology at the University of Kelaniya, remains a driving force in the study of ancient urbanisation, tropical sustainability, and international academic collaboration.

Kelaniya Archaeologists Lead Research and Sessions at APT 2025 in Indonesia

Professor Chandima Bogahawatta and Senior Lecturer Ms K.V.J. Koshalee at the prestigious UISPP Inter-Congress Conference, “Asian Prehistory Today: Bridging Science, Heritage and Development (APT 2025).”

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RESEARCH & FIELDWORK HIGHLIGHTS

Research at the Department encompasses archaeological excavations, heritage and tourism studies, and anthropological research, contributing to national heritage knowledge and international scholarship.