Abstract:
Settlement are inhabitant sites of a particular area. Settlements of Sri Lanka appear since the
arrival of King Vijaya in 6th century BC. According to the latest excavation, it is revealed
that the settlement of Sri Lanka dates back more than 6th century BC. These periods can be
divided as Prehistoric, Proto historic and Historic period. Research problem is to identify
when and how the human settlement of Sri Lanka established in the ancient times. Research
methodology is included both primary and secondary data collective methods excavation reports
of prehistoric and historic. First evidence of prehistoric settlements was found from the
excavations at Balangoda area by Dr. S.U Deraniyagala and it was identified that those skeleton
remains date back to 28000 years ago. While they belonged to Homo Sapiens. There
are large number of prehistoric sites in Sri Lanka which are extremely rich with evidences of
prehistoric settlement sites. Pahiyan Cave 47000-5000 years BP, Batadomba Cave 36000-
13000 years BP, Belilena 30000-9000 years BP, Pothana 5800 years BP, Bellanbadhipelassa
12000 years BP, Aligala 5500-4100 years BP can be mentioned as the examples of prehistoric
settlement sites. In Sri Lanka proto historic period dates back between 2500-600 BC. This
period is regarded as transitional period when permanent settlement, agriculture, iron usage,
pottery industry can be identified as prominent aspects. As archaeological evidences of this
period, Red ware 5300 BC and Black and Red ware 3100 BC from Dorawakakanda site,
burials from the Pomparippuwa site such as was Ranchamadama, Ibbankatuwa, Haldummulla
and remains of a foundation of a house from Ranchamadama were found from several
excavation. During the excavation at Anuradhapura inner city covering 5 km, it was
excavated evidences of pottery usage, agriculture, brick usage of the ancient shelters in Sri
Lanka. According to the inscription found from the sites such as Rambukkana, Diyagama,
Pokunuwitw and Galapatha it is period that ancient settlement in the country prevailed continuously
from historic period. According to the archaeological evidence it is clear that the
ancient settlements of Sri Lanka which was limited by the historical chronicles, have been
prevailed in various areas in different periods.
