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Reptiles in rock and time: Unveiling Sri Lanka’s ancient herpetological art

Published

5 months ago

2025/11/7

Hidden beneath the ancient canopy of Sri Lanka’s dry forests and shaded cliff faces lies a gallery like no other — a prehistoric museum where stone meets story. Painted and engraved thousands of years ago, these rock surfaces reveal how early islanders saw their world: not as conquerors, but as companions to the wild.

Among the elephants, deer, and human forms that adorn these caves, reptiles take centre stage — monitor lizards, crocodiles, tortoises, pythons, and geckos, all rendered with striking realism and reverence.

“Each stroke, each figure, is a message from the island’s earliest naturalists,” says Dr. Nimal Rathnayake, archaeologist and herpetologist, who has explored dozens of rock shelters across the island. “They reveal not only how our ancestors lived, but how deeply they observed and understood reptiles — the creatures that shared their landscapes.”

Ancient Art, Living Legacy

The world’s oldest known cave paintings — abstract symbols in Spain’s Cave of Maltravieso — date back some 64,000 years, likely drawn by Neanderthals. In Indonesia, a wild pig painted 45,500 years ago represents the earliest figurative art.

In Sri Lanka, cave paintings at Fa-Hien Lena in the Western Province, dated to over 11,000 years old, mark South Asia’s oldest known artistic expressions. These vivid works portray human and animal figures with a symbolic richness that still defies complete interpretation.

“Every pigment, every chipped line represents a memory,” says Dr. Rathnayake. “These caves are living archives — where biodiversity and belief converge.”

Sri Lanka’s Reptilian Heritage in Paint

Sri Lanka’s record of prehistoric rock art parallels its modern status as a biodiversity hotspot. With 246 known reptile species — including 164 endemic to the island — it is no surprise that early inhabitants immortalised them on stone.

“From pythons and crocodiles to geckos and tortoises, reptiles dominate many of these cave paintings,” says Dr. Rathnayake. “These weren’t random decorations. The proportions, the posture, the detailing — all reveal an astonishing level of observation. These people knew their reptiles.”

Sites like Dorawakakanda, Tharulengala, Tantirimale, and Phillegodagalge show depictions of land monitors (Varanus bengalensis), star tortoises (Geochelone elegans), mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris), Indian rock pythons (Python molurus), and the iconic Sri Lankan golden rock gecko (Calodactylodes illingworthorum).

The Tharulengala Wonder

In the dry lowlands of Hulannuge, Ampara, stands one of Sri Lanka’s most extraordinary rock art sites — the Tharulengala Rock Cave. Carbon dating places its paintings at around 4,800 years old. The cave’s 16-metre wall bursts with figures: humans, elephants, and reptiles painted in ash, red, and white pigments.

Among the most striking is an enormous gecko — nearly 84 cm in length — believed to represent Calodactylodes illingworthorum, the Sri Lankan golden rock gecko. “It’s almost herpetologically accurate,” Dr. Rathnayake notes. “The limbs, digits, and the curved tail — even the clusters of eggs painted nearby — correspond exactly with how we see them in nature today.”

Other reptiles — a crocodile, a Russell’s viper, and a land monitor — share the same wall, painted in naturalistic proportions. Archaeologists once mistook the gecko for a crocodile, but closer zoological study proved otherwise. “It’s a perfect example of art meeting science across millennia,” Rathnayake adds.

Dorawakakanda’s Engraved Menagerie

In Kegalle’s wet zone, Dorawakakanda Cave offers a different form of artistry. Instead of pigments, its ancient occupants used chisels — or rather, sharp stones — to engrave shapes into rock. Here, elephants, fish, humans, and two land monitors stand etched into the stone.

“Imagine carving these without metal tools,” says Dr. Rathnayake, admiring the craftsmanship. “The engravings capture both movement and life — even after two thousand years.”

The site’s significance extends beyond artistry. “These images show ecological coexistence,” he explains. “It tells us that people of this era didn’t just hunt; they observed, respected, and recorded what they saw.”

Phillegodagalge: The Python’s Shadow

Deep in Kudimbigala Forest Heritage, near the entrance to Kumana National Park, lies the cavernous Phillegodagalge Cave. At first glance, its long, ribbed figures resemble centipedes. But closer analysis reveals the unmistakable form of the Indian rock python (Python molurus).

“The rib patterns are too consistent for an invertebrate,” says Dr. Rathnayake. “These were skilled observers — the ribs, length, and proportions point clearly to a python.”

Deraniyagala’s early research suggested that pythons were consumed by prehistoric hunters, a fact echoed in the site’s depictions. “What you see here could be both a record of diet and devotion,” he adds. “A species feared, revered, and ultimately remembered in art.”

Tantirimale: Crocodiles and Sea Turtles

In the North Central Province, the caves of Tantirimale house some of the most evocative prehistoric paintings on the island. Believed to date back 4,000 years, these artworks feature geometric patterns and animal figures — including a Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and a Crocodile.

“The artist has even captured the ridges on the turtle’s shell,” notes Dr. Rathnayake. “It’s a remarkably accurate representation.” Archaeological excavations in Anuradhapura unearthed marine turtle bones dating to around 800 BC — evidence that sea turtles were traded or used for ornaments. “That connection between coastal species and inland art tells us these people were travellers, traders, and naturalists,” he adds.

Two Women’s Cave — Genu Dennage Galge

Few sites in Sri Lanka remain as hauntingly untouched as the Two Women’s Cave, or Genu Dennage Galge, at Buddama Village in Monaragala. Its single chamber, framed by drip-ledges to divert water, contains ghostly figures of elephants, birds, and a land monitor painted in white and green pigment. “This cave might have had a very different purpose,” says Dr. Rathnayake. “Based on the drawings, it could have been a slaughterhouse — a place where animals were slaughtered for food. The land monitor, prominently displayed, reflects what was most commonly hunted and eaten.” The scene includes possible depictions of deer, birds, and elephants — but it’s the monitor that commands attention. “Even in death, it was remembered,” he says softly.

Who Were the Artists?

Scholars like H.C.P. Bell, the Seligmanns, and Somadeva agree that these paintings are the work of Veddas, Sri Lanka’s indigenous hunter-gatherers. Early 20th-century Vedda women told the Seligmanns that they created drawings while waiting for their men to return from hunting, mixing ash and saliva to make paint and applying it with their fingers.

But not all art is ancient. “In some caves, we find recent graffiti and carvings by visitors,” Dr. Rathnayake warns. “Distinguishing authentic prehistoric art from modern additions is a challenge — one that calls for better protection and research.”

Conservation: An Urgent Call

Despite their age and significance, many of Sri Lanka’s rock art sites remain vulnerable. At Tharulengala and Dorawakakanda, visitors have carved their names or touched the paintings, smudging ash drawings that survived nearly five millennia. “Even geckos — ironically, the same species painted on the walls — lay their eggs on these surfaces, further damaging the art,” notes Dr. Rathnayake. “We need a clear, coordinated conservation plan. Spraying protective acrylic coatings, managing access, and continuous monitoring are essential steps.”

The Archaeology Department, he believes, must work with herpetologists, conservators, and local communities. “These are not just archaeological artefacts; they are ecological documents — the earliest evidence of humans recording wildlife.”

Echoes in Stone

Standing inside Tharulengala or Two Women’s Cave, one can almost hear the prehistoric hum of life. The same geckos that inspired early artists still cling to those walls, their eggs adhering beside their ancient likenesses.

“These caves are time capsules,” Dr. Rathnayake reflects. “Few places in the world allow such direct continuity between species and story.”

For him, the study of rock art is more than academic. It’s an act of cultural and environmental recovery — a reminder that Sri Lanka’s earliest artists were also its first conservationists.

“They didn’t separate art, nature, or spirituality,” he says. “They lived within them. That’s the message we must rediscover today.”

By Ifham Nizam ✍️

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Church calls for Deputy Defence Minister’s removal, establishment of Independent Prosecutor’s Office

Published

3 mins ago

2026/04/20

Thilina Walpola

Pressure mounts on govt. over Easter Sunday carnage

The Catholic Church intends to formally request President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this week to relieve Deputy Defence Minister Maj. Gen. (retd) Aruna Jayasekera of his ministerial post pending investigations into the Easter Sunday carnage.

Head of Centre for Society & Religion (CSR) Rev. Father. Rohan Silva OMI said that they were in the process of collecting signatures from the relevant Catholic clergy for a petition to be handed over to President Dissanayake probably the day after tomorrow (22).

The priest said so in response to The Island queries regarding their plans to highlight the atrocities perpetrated on 21 April, seven years ago. The priest explained that an impartial inquiry couldn’t be conducted as Jayasekera had served as Security Forces Commander, East, when some members of Saharan Hashim’s National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ) blew themselves up at their Sainthamaruthu hideout after being surrounded by the police and the army.

According to the priest, the signing of the petition commenced last Friday (17) and the process will be completed on 21 April, with the petition being handed over to the President.

Speaking at an event organised by the CSR to mark the launch of a special report on the Easter Sunday attacks titled, “Memory, Pain and Hope: Seeking Justice Seven Years On,” last Frida, in Colombo, Rev. Father Silva called for the removal of Deputy Minister Jayasekera and an independent probe into the carnage.

“We will formally request President Dissanayake to remove him to facilitate an impartial investigation.”

Leader of Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) and ex-Minister Udaya Gammanpila told The Island that there was absolutely no need to relieve Maj. Gen. Jayasekera of his ministerial portfolio. Reiterating his long-standing position that the Easter Sunday mastermind was none other than Zaharan Hashim, who carried out suicide attack inside Shgangri-La Colombo.

Top spokesperson for the Catholic Church Rev. Father Cyril Gamini Fernando expressed confidence in the ongoing CID investigation launched following a complaint lodged by Rev. Father Silva. He said that although the investigation was slow it was being conducted systematically and they were satisfied with its progress. According to the Church’s spokesperson, the complaint was launched following the telecast of the UK Channel 4 programme in Sept 2023 that dealt with the Easter Sunday conspiracy.

Responding to Gammanpila, Dr. Rohan Gunaratne as well as Aruna Jayasekera’s statement in Parliament, Rev. Fr. Fernando emphasised a thorough investigation was required to identify those within the armed forces and police, particularly the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) involved in criminal activities at the behest of their political masters.

Rev. Father Fernando questioned their complicity and involvement in the 2009 assassination of The Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunga and the abduction and disappearance of media personality Prageeth Ekneligoda on the eve of the 2010 presidential election.

The priest emphasised that the accusations were directed at a small group of personnel regarding criminal activities and not the armed forces and police as a whole.

Responding to questions, Rev. Father Fernando underscored the importance of establishing an Independent Public Prosecutor’s Office to ensure fair, effective and impartial prosecution of cases. Pointing out shortcomings on the part of the Attorney General in dealing with high profile cases, the priest stressed the responsibility on the part of the AG to take note of growing public concerns over the Easter Sunday case. The Independent Prosecutor’s Office would ensure greater accountability and confidence in Sri Lanka’s justice system, the priest said, while referring to reported cases of conflict of interests.

The NPP manifesto assured an early creation of the Independent Prosecutor’s Office and the cabinet-of-ministers on 7 May, 2025 decided to go ahead with it.

Referring to a ‘B’ report submitted by the CID to the Fort Magistrate’s Court recently, Rev. Father Fernando alleged that the DMI continued to interfere in the Easter Sunday investigation. “After the CID recorded a statement from a person living in Negombo regarding the Easter Sunday carnage, a Sergeant attached to the DMI visited the targeted man’s residence. There had been another person with the Sergeant,” Rev. Father Fernando said, alleging that in spite of a change of government the conspirators seemed to be still active within that organization.

The Church spokesperson said that they still expected the government to implement the recommendations made by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) that probed the Easter Sunday carnage. The recommendations of the report handed over to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in early February 2021 were yet to be implemented, while drawing attention of the current dispensation to the inordinate delay in addressing the issues underscored by the PCoI.

In August last year, the ruling party thwarted an attempt by the Opposition to move a no-confidence motion against Deputy Minister Jayasekera following his declaration in parliament that a small section of the DMI had been involved in the Easter Sunday carnage. The NPP asserted that in terms of the existing Standing Orders a no-faith motion couldn’t be moved against a Deputy Minister.

The Catholic Church has organised a series of events on 19 April and 21 April to highlight the need to bring the Easter Sunday investigations to a successful conclusion. Prayers would be offered at St. Anthony’s Church as well as St. Sebastian church, on 21 April, the scene of devastating attacks, Rev. Father Fernando said, adding that the Vatican Ambassador here would join the march from Maris Stella College, Negombo to St. Sebastian’s church in the late afternoon on 21 April.

By Shamindra Ferdinando

News

Road accidents, drowning, claim 70 lives in 8 days

Published

4 mins ago

2026/04/20

Thilina Walpola

Police Headquarters yesterday said that 70 people were killed in road accidents and drowning incidents during the traditional New Year period spanning eight days.

Police said 42 road accidents were reported from various parts of the country between April 10 and April 18, resulting in 44 deaths.

Meanwhile, 26 drowning deaths were reported during the six-day period from April 12 to April 18.

by Dharmasena Welipitiya

News

Lanka sees surge in higher education attainment

Published

5 mins ago

2026/04/20

Thilina Walpola

Sri Lanka is witnessing a quiet but significant transformation in its human capital, with a steady rise in higher educational attainment over the past decade, according to the latest findings of the Department of Census and Statistics.

Data from the Census of Population and Housing 2024 reveal that while challenges remain, particularly in aligning education with employment, the country has made notable progress in expanding access to advanced learning—reflected most strikingly in the growing number of doctoral graduates.

The number of PhD holders has risen from 6,557 in 2012 to 11,757 in 2024. Although they still represent just 0.1% of the population aged 25 and above, the increase signals a strengthening of Sri Lanka’s research base and intellectual capital.

More broadly, degree holders have more than doubled over the same period, climbing from 358,052 (3.0%) to 780,958 (5.6%). This sharp rise underscores a widening pathway to university education, driven by both state and private sector expansion, as well as increased overseas study opportunities.

The report also highlights a substantial surge in those with tertiary education, which grew from 2.19 million (18.2%) in 2012 to 3.63 million (26.2%) in 2024.

Analysts note that this shift reflects a generational change, with younger cohorts increasingly pursuing qualifications beyond secondary school in a competitive global economy.

At the pre-university level, the number of individuals with G.C.E. Advanced Level or equivalent qualifications rose from 1.72 million (14.2%) to 2.67 million (19.4%), indicating improved retention within the school system and a stronger emphasis on higher education readiness.

Meanwhile, secondary education remains the dominant attainment level, accounting for around 58% of the population in both census years. The absolute number increased from 7.07 million to 8.09 million, suggesting population growth as well as sustained access to schooling.

Encouragingly, the proportion of those with only primary education has declined markedly—from 18.4% to 12.5%—while the number of individuals with no schooling has also dropped from 4.7% to 2.9%. These trends point to continued success in expanding basic education and literacy across the island.

Education experts say the data reflect long-term investments in free education and social welfare policies, but caution that the next challenge lies in translating qualifications into meaningful employment and innovation.

“The numbers are impressive, particularly the growth in tertiary and postgraduate education,” a senior academic said. “But we must now ensure that these qualifications are matched by opportunities in the economy. Otherwise, we risk underemployment and brain drain.”

The findings come at a time when policymakers are grappling with how to position Sri Lanka as a knowledge-based economy, amid global competition and domestic economic pressures.

With more Sri Lankans attaining higher levels of education than ever before, the report offers both a measure of progress and a call to action: to harness this expanding pool of talent for national development.

By Ifham Nizam