Excavation work at Thuparama Monument No. 46, included in the 2025 annual work plan of the Central Cultural Fund’s Mahavihara Project under the Department of Excavation and Research, commenced on April 28, 2025, and has now been completed.
The excavation was conducted to identify and preserve the architectural structures of the monument, which is strategically located between several key heritage sites: to the north lies Monument No. 59, to the south-west the Ruwanweliseya, to the east the Kakhudhavapiya (ancient pond), and the west the Thuparama Image House.
In 2024, based on archaeological evidence uncovered through trial trenches laid in both north-south and east-west orientations through the centre of Monument No. 46, the full excavation of the site was proposed for 2025.
The excavation was carried out using open excavation methods, and several artefacts were unearthed, including fragments of painted roof tiles, pieces of clay pots of various shapes, glass bangle fragments, and iron nails.
The excavation concluded on June 17, 2025, and post-excavation analysis is currently underway, with the final excavation report being prepared.
This excavation was conducted under the guidance of site officer Ms. Choonani Bandara, with supervision by archaeologist Ms. Thilini Dumindhya and trainee graduate Ms. Dulanjani Lakmali.
