Inscriptions of Sri Lanka

Galpotha Polonnaruwa
Galpotha, Polonnaruwa

The earliest trace of epigraphy in South Asia was found in Sri Lanka on a piece of pottery, absolutely dated to circa the 4th century BCE in the excavations of the Anuradhapura citadel. From that date rock cut inscriptions are found all over the country, most significantly in cave inscriptions for meditating monks and proclamations of Kings. Since the 19th century many of these inscriptions have been collated and published, initially through groups associated with the Royal Asiatic Society, Sri Lanka (RASSL) and subsequently through -an institution created through the RASSL.

This site is a result of an RASSL initiative to put Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage including its inscriptions on line. There are many volumes of inscriptions that have been published at various times. Initially these already published inscriptions are being put online and new ones will be added as they are found.

Visit our inscriptions site.