Colonial Narratives and the Ruined Cities of Ceylon: Exploring the Earliest Architectural and Archaeological Documentation during the Colonial Period

Colonial-era documentation efforts under British rule (1806–1948) laid the foundation for modern architectural and archaeological study of Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, including Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, and Sigiriya. These ruins, rediscovered in the mid-19th century by colonial administrators and professionals, were systematically recorded through archival, cartographical, and iconographical research. This systematic approach culminated in the establishment of the Archaeological Survey of Ceylon, shaping the preservation and recognition of these sites as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Jayasinghe, S. (2025). Colonial Narratives and the Ruined Cities of Ceylon: Exploring the Earliest Architectural and Archaeological Documentation during the Colonial Period. ARTis ON, (15). https://doi.org/10.37935/iha.oan2024.007