Archaeology - Nilanthi Bandara

Nilanthi Bandara

Senior Lecturer Gr. I in Archaeology

PhD (Kelaniya), MSc (PGIAR), PGDip (PGIAR), BA in Archaeology (Kelaniya), MSLCA

Email nilu@kln.ac.lk

Telephone +94112290813

Room No G-06

Postgraduate Supervision Available

BIOGRAPHY:

Dr. Nilanthi Bandara is a distinguished academic and Senior Lecturer at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. A specialist in Epigraphy and Socio-Economic History, she has authored seminal works including Ancient Sri Lankan Society and Ancient Economics, both grounded in inscriptional evidence. Her research explores the intersection of religious pluralism, ancient trade, and heritage management, with significant contributions to the study of Jainism and monastic architecture in early Sri Lanka. Beyond her research, Dr. Bandara is a prolific editor for major archaeological journals and has held leadership roles in numerous international conferences. Her work is pivotal in reconstructing the cultural and economic landscapes of the Indian Ocean region.

RESEARCH INTERESTS:

Palaeography and Epigraphy, Numismatics, Anthropology

ONGOING RESEARCH & PROJECTS:

On request

TEACHING: (Papers taught in 2025/2026)

Palaeography and Epigraphy
Numismatics
Anthropology

POSITIONS:

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES:

Editor, Amarabhinandana: Prof. A.A.D. Amarasekara Felicitation Volume (2018). Central Cultural Fund (CCF), Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Editor, Puranaya, Volume II (2018). Godage Brothers, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Editor, Archaeologia Zeylanica, Vol. 2, Part II (2018). Centre for Heritage Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Editorial Committee Member, International Conference on Buddhism and Jainism in Early Historic Asia (Full Papers) (2017). Center for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Editorial Committee Member, International Conference on Asian Elephants in Culture and Nature (Abstract Volume) (2016). Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Editor, South Asia Culture, History and Heritage (Full Papers) (2015). International Association for Asian Heritage (IAAH), Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Editor, Ariya Vibhushana: Prof. Abaya Ariyasinghe Felicitation Volume (2010). Godage Brothers, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Editor, Retrospect No. 07: Sri Lankan Journal of Asian Studies (2009). Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Editor, Archaeologia: Journal of Archaeology, Volume 3 (2007). Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Associate Editor, The Eminent Archaeologist (2007). Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Editor, Vasundara Magazine, 9th Edition (2004). Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.

ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS:

JOURNAL ARTICLES (selected):

Bandara, N. (2014). Early cultural afflux in Sri Lankan History. Purathana, 1, 31–53.
Bandara, N. (2008). Culture, politics and the future of Sri Lanka. Sarasavi, 4, 1–7.
Bandara, N. (2007). A fragmentary unpublished slab-inscription from Sigiriya area. Archaeologia: Journal of Archaeology, 3, 37–41.
Bandara, N. (2006). In association with Mahawamsa and Deepawansa: Pre-historic and early historic cultures. Vasundara, 10, 23–31.
Bandara, N. (2004). The ways and means of conventional conservation: The Inscriptions in accordance with Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Vasundara, 9, 82–102.

BOOKS (selected):

Bandara, N. (2008). Ancient Sri Lankan Society (Based on Inscriptions). Kadawatha: Kadulla Publishers.

Bandara, N. (2008). Ancient Economics (Based on Inscriptions). Kadawatha: Kadulla Publishers.

BOOK CHAPTERS & EDITED VOLUMES (selected):

Bandara, N. (2018). A study about the international relationship among Sri Lanka and Western countries (3rd century B.C. to 9th century A.D.). In U. Hettige (Ed.), Amarabhinandana: Prof. A.A.D. Amarasekara Felicitation Volume (pp. 191–200). Central Cultural Fund.
Bandara, N. (2017). Future of Sri Lankan Jams mining industry. In K. Revatha & K.A.T. Dharanetha (Eds.), Girihisa: Essays in Honour of Most Ven. Prof. Kandegoda Wimaladhamma Thera (pp. 133–141). Green Printers.
Bandara, N. (2016). Origin of the writing system in Sri Lanka. In J.M. Sudharmawathi & D.T. Koggalage (Eds.), SAMPRASADANA: Essays in Honour of Prof. K.M.P. Kulasekera (pp. 372–379). Department of History, University of Kelaniya.
Bandara, N. (2016). An archaeological study about the relationship among Sri Lanka and Northern India (3rd century B.C. to 9th century A.D.). In U. Hettiarachch et al. (Eds.), Senior Prof. Prema Podimanike Felicitation Volume (pp. 94–104). Department of Economics, University of Kelaniya.
Bandara, N. (2011). Inscriptional evidence about Katharagama Royal Ancestry. In N. Jayaweera (Ed.), Suriduni Katharagama (pp. 7–8). MGH Associates.
Bandara, N. (2011). Historical background of Maya based on Puthgul Cave inscriptions. In M.S. Thissa & U. Ravatha (Eds.), Sudasana: Prof. Reverend Sir Nawagamuwe Ravatha Thero Felicitation Volume (pp. 290–302). Deel Printers.
Bandara, N. (2010). Early political background in Sri Lanka: Inscriptional discussion. In M. Amarasekara (Ed.), Ariya Vibhushana: Prof. Abaya Ariyasinghe Felicitation Volume (pp. 22–43). Godage Brothers.
Bandara, N. (2010). Inscriptional examine about ancient Sri Lankan medical treatments. In A. Ponnamperuma (Ed.), Ayurveda Sameekshawa (Vol. II, Part VI, pp. 47–52). Department of Ayurveda.
Bandara, N. (2009). Buddhist background as revealed in inscriptions (3 B.C. to 3 A.D.). In Abhisthawa: Reverent Sir Dewalegama Medhananada Thero (pp. 170–199). Apes Graphics.
Bandara, N. (2009). Inscriptions of Polonnaruwa. In N.P. Jayathunga (Ed.), Polatisi Vamsaya (pp. 439–465). Ministry of Cultural and National Heritage.
Bandara, N. (2008). The conventional history of kingdom in Sithawaka: The epigraphy. In P. Gunawarghana & G. Adikari (Eds.), Sithawaka Urumaya (Vol. 1, pp. 227–240). Central Cultural Fund.
Bandara, N. (2006). Punch mark coins. In G. Wimalananda & P. Mahinda (Eds.), Abisarana (pp. 231–235). Cyprus Sri Lanka Buddhist Association.

CONFERENCES (selected):

Bandara, N. (2018, February 6–9). An archaeological study about the relationship among Sri Lanka and Northern India (3rd century B.C. to 9th century A.D.) [Paper presentation]. International Conference on Maritime Archaeology with Special Reference to Indian Ocean, Department of Archaeology, University of Kerala, India.
Bandara, N. (2017, February 16–17). Jaina religion in ancient Sri Lanka [Paper presentation]. International Conference on Buddhism and Jainism in Early Historic Asia, Center for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Bandara, N. (2016, September 30–October 1). An archaeological study about the relationship among Sri Lanka and Northern Indian (3rd century B.C. to 9th century A.D.) [Paper presentation]. 3rd International Conference on Social Sciences (ICSS 2016), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Bandara, N. (2016, August 20–21). Study of Sri Lankan elephants, based on inscriptions and coins [Paper presentation]. International Conference on Asian Elephants in Culture and Nature, Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Bandara, N. (2013, November 22–23). Ethnic diversity revealed from the language used in inscriptions (3rd B.C. to 10th A.D.) [Paper presentation]. International Conference on Social Sciences: Culture, Globalization and the Developing World, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Bandara, N. (2013, August 22–23). Cultural influxes of Sri Lankan history (up to the 8th Century AD) [Paper presentation]. International Conference on Asian Art, Culture and Heritage, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Bandara, N. (2011, November 3–4). International Conference on Social Sciences (ICSSL) [Paper presentation]. 12th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Bandara, N. (2011, April 7–8). An investigation of the historical background of Western Province according to the cave inscriptions [Paper presentation]. International Association for Asian Heritage (IAAH) First Biennial Conference, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Bandara, N. (2010, November 30–December 1). Historicism of Western Province: Alawala Puthgul cave inscriptions [Paper presentation]. 11th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Bandara, N. (2010, August 20–21). Danagoba archaeology site: Discovery and investigation of unpublished history [Paper presentation]. 3rd International Conference of the Society of South Asian Archaeology Congress (SOSAA), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Bandara, N. (2010, July 7–9). Danagoba cave inscription [Paper presentation]. National Archaeological Symposium, Department of Archaeology, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Bandara, N. (2009, December 17–18). Archaeological site and inscription in Danagoba [Paper presentation]. 10th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Bandara, N. (2009, November 28–29). Social influence on Buddhist architecture and its maintenance as revealed in Brahmi inscriptions [Paper presentation]. 5th National Conference on Buddhist Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.
Bandara, N. (2009, November 3). Inscriptions of the Alavala Potgul-lena cave [Paper presentation]. Symposium on New Discoveries from the Excavation at Alavala, Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Bandara, N. (2008, October 17). The communicating meaning of symbols (Inscriptions dating from 3rd BC to Anuradhapura Period) [Paper presentation]. National Centre for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences (NCAS), Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Bandara, N. (2008, August 30–31). Construction and maintenance of Buddhist buildings as depicted in inscriptions [Paper presentation]. 4th National Conference on Buddhist Studies, Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka.
Bandara, N. (2008, July 18–20). Inscriptional evidence discovered from the upper Malwatu Oya region [Paper presentation]. International Conference on Social Sciences (ICSSL), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Bandara, N. (2008, July 18–20). An archaeological perspective on the Damunupola village [Paper presentation]. International Conference on Social Sciences (ICSSL), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Bandara, N. (2008, March 28–29). The systematic measures to protect ancient inscriptions [Paper presentation]. 2nd Research Conference of the Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka.
Bandara, N. (2007, July 5–6). Unpublished slab-inscription from Sigiriya [Paper presentation]. National Archaeological Symposium, Department of Archaeology, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISION:

On request

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