COLOMBO: Excavations in Batadomba-Lena caves in the southern Sabaragamuva province of Sri Lanka have unearthed in the earliest known evidence of the human evolution dating back to 29,000 years, according to the department of archaeology.
The skeletal parts and minute pieces of bones found the cave have conclusively proved that the oldest homo-sapien, in all south Asia had lived in Sri Lanka, according to Dr. Ahiran Deraniyagala, director of the department.
He said evidence found in India did not go beyond 10,000 years of the pre-histone age.
Dr. Deraniyagala said the bottom layer of earth in the cave had been subjected to the most sensitive and searching carbon 14 tests in the most reputed laboratories including comwall in America by experts before arriving at the age of the findings.
The evidence of the artefacts used, food consumed, the fuel used in the bottom stratum of the cave left no doubt that the oldest homo-sapien, the Balangoda man, be longed to the most ancient known civilization though petty low by modem standards.
Breads, particles of bones of small animals and traces of coal found in the earth layer were evidence of the use of ornaments, food and fire in the day today life which have been evaluated as the remains of the civilized community. These findings have provided a vital link in the chain of facts Leading to identification of the oldest known civilization.,
Article extracted from this publication >> November 5, 1993
