Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

World Heritage Research

Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Ancient City of Polonnaruwa from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.

• 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

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• Cultural exchange and decorative motifs in Polonnaruwa, Sarnath, and Angkor Wat: 12th-century regional traditions and bilateral relations

  A pivotal role of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa as a cultural and artistic bridge between South and Southeast Asia during the 12th century is revealed, demonstrating its significance in fostering shared decorative motifs across Polonnaruwa, Sarnath, and Angkor Wat. The study identifies advanced carving techniques in Polonnaruwa that link the artistic traditions of these regions, despite challenges posed by foreign invasions and environmental changes. Through analysis of historical sources, architectural remnants, and artistic styles, the research highlights how diplomatic interactions and cultural exchange shaped a unified visual language across these ancient centers.

  Dissanayaka, G. R. (2025). Cultural exchange and decorative motifs in Polonnaruwa, Sarnath, and Angkor Wat: 12th-century regional traditions and bilateral relations. Arts & Communication, 3(3), 4205. https://doi.org/10.36922/ac.4205

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• Forecasting Foreign Guest Nights in Ancient Cities of Sri Lanka

  A robust forecasting model, ARIMA (1,0,1) (1,1,2)6, has been identified as highly effective for predicting foreign guest nights in Sri Lanka's UNESCO-listed ancient cities, including Polonnaruwa. This model, validated through rigorous statistical tests, demonstrates minimal error and accurately captures the seasonal patterns of tourism occupancy. The study highlights the significance of such forecasting in optimizing hotel operations, influencing pricing, staffing, maintenance, and security strategies. While the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model performs well, future research is recommended to explore the Circular Model for potentially improved forecasting accuracy by accounting for both seasonal and cyclical variations.

  Konarasinghe, K. M. U. B. (2018). Forecasting Foreign Guest Nights in Ancient Cities of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of International Forestry and Environment Symposium, 22(0). https://doi.org/10.31357/fesympo.v22i0.3406

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• Purawalokanaya - The Virtual Tour to Ancient City of Polonnaruwa - Sri Lanka

  A realistic virtual reality (VR) application, 'Porawalokanaya,' has been developed to digitally preserve and experience the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. The application leverages advanced 3D modeling techniques using Autodesk Maya and Mudbox to capture intricate architectural details, combined with natural environments for an immersive experience. Built on the Unity platform with C# scripting, 'Porawalokanaya' offers users interactive exploration, narration, and a mini-map, simulating real-world visits. This innovative approach demonstrates how technology can effectively preserve and present prestigious heritage sites, bridging gaps between historical preservation and modern digital experiences.

  D., M., S., W., H., R., K., P., & D., Y. (2018). PURAWALOKANAYA - The Virtual Tour to Ancient City of Polonnaruwa - Sri Lanka. International Journal of Computer Applications, 179(12), 14–19. https://doi.org/10.5120/ijca2018916130

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• Site Suitability Analysis for Local Airport Using Geographic Information System

  Geographic Information System (GIS) tools effectively identify areas unsuitable for local airport development by overlaying constraints such as forest areas, tanks, airborne restricted zones, and streams. This study demonstrates that GIS can systematically analyze site suitability factors, particularly in Sri Lanka, where Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts are key tourist destinations. By applying the Erase tool to exclude non-suitable regions, the research highlights potential airport locations while considering land use patterns, road networks, and railway systems. The findings underscore GIS's utility in regional planning, offering a data-driven approach to balancing infrastructure development with environmental and operational considerations.

  Pushpakumara, T. D. C., Rodrigo, A. N. C.,. (2018). Site Suitability Analysis for Local Airport Using Geographic Information System. International Journal of Advanced Remote Sensing and GIS, 7(1), 2719–2727. https://doi.org/10.23953/cloud.ijarsg.368

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