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Giribawa Pabalugala Archaeological Reserve – An Ancient Bead-Making Site (පබළුගල පුරාවිද්‍යා රක්ෂිතය)

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Giribawa Pabalugala Archaeological Reserve - An Ancient Bead-Making Site

Pabalugala Archaeological Reserve, located in Giribawa in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, is a significant historical site known for evidence of ancient glass bead production. The name Pabalugala translates to “Pearl Rock” or “Bead Rock,” highlighting its ancient craft heritage.

Spanning 33 acres, the reserve lies along the Niraviya–Lower Maradankalle road in the Giribawa–Warawewa area. Archaeological findings suggest that this site served as a major bead production center from the 3rd century BCE to the 10th century CE. Remains of several large furnaces, each about 2 meters in diameter, have been uncovered, indicating a well-established glass-melting operation. Fragments of beads can still be found scattered throughout the surrounding area.

Archaeological Discoveries

Excavations carried out between 2022 and 2024 revealed notable features, including ancient furnaces and a semi-underground cave kiln thought to have been used in glass production. Initial geophysical surveys indicated the possible existence of around forty similar structures within the site.

Numerous artifacts were discovered, such as sand-tempered red pottery, brown pottery, and tens of thousands of glass beads and glass objects. The excavated areas have since been recovered and secured for future exploration. As a result, there is currently little visible to visitors at the site.

References

Important archaeological discoveries at the Pabalugala site in Sri Lanka-World-Class University Development Office. (2024, March 8). World-Class University Development Office. Retrieved July 1, 2025, from https://wudo.scu.edu.cn/info/1036/3081.htm
Weediyabandara, G. (2022, February 26). ගිරිබාවේ ‘පබළුගලින්’ මතුවූ අතීතය. newswave.lk. Retrieved July 1, 2025, from https://newswave.lk/27009/

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Travel Directions to Giribawa Pabalugala Archaeological Reserve

Route from Kurunegala to Giribawa Pabalugala Archaeological Reserve

Through: Chilaw – Anamaduna
Distance: 168 km
Travel time: 4 hour
Driving directions : see on Google Map

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