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Sri Lanka unearths golden Buddha statues in ancient capital

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • Sri Lankan archaeologists unearthed 17 gold-plated Buddha statues at the Abhayagiri temple complex in Anuradhapura.
  • The statues, estimated to be 1,200 to 1,300 years old, were found during excavations of a temple rampart.
  • This marks the most significant discovery in the archaeologically protected area in over three decades.

Archaeologists in Sri Lanka have unearthed 17 gold-plated Buddha statues at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Abhayagiri in Anuradhapura. The discovery, made on August 18, occurred during excavations of a rampart within the ancient temple complex, which is believed to have been a monastery over 2,000 years ago.

Project manager Thusitha Herath of the government’s Central Cultural Fund described the find as the most significant in the protected area in more than 30 years. "We have found artefacts before, but this is the first time we have seen such a large number of statues," Herath told AFP.

We have found artefacts before, but this is the first time we have seen such a large number of statues.

— Thusitha HerathProject manager Thusitha Herath of the government’s Central Cultural Fund described the find as the most significant in the archaeologically protected area in over three decades.

The 17 bronze statues, plated in gold, exhibit features similar to artifacts from the seventh and eighth centuries, suggesting an age of approximately 1,200 to 1,300 years. "We have sent these artefacts for further testing and we hope to be able to put them on public display within about a month," Herath added.

The statues were discovered buried randomly within the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, a site recognized by UNESCO since 1982. The Central Cultural Fund has been conducting excavations following this international designation, which also entails conservation responsibilities for the government. The region historically attracted scholars and pilgrims from China and India due to its diverse Buddhist doctrines.

We have sent these artefacts for further testing and we hope to be able to put them on public display within about a month.

— Thusitha HerathThusitha Herath added that the statues are estimated to be about 1,200 to 1,300 years old.
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Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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