Sri Lankan archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery at the ancient city of Anuradhapura, uncovering 17 gold-plated Buddha statues during excavations at the Abhayagiri temple complex. The discovery was made at a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once an important centre of Buddhist learning and monastic life.
The statues were found while archaeologists were excavating part of a rampart at the extensive Abhayagiri complex. The site is believed to have included a large monastery and other religious buildings dating back more than 2,000 years.
Anuradhapura itself was one of the most important centres of ancient Sri Lankan civilisation and served as the country’s capital for many centuries. The discovery provides another glimpse into the importance attached to Buddhist art and religious institutions in ancient Sri Lanka.
The statues are valuable not simply because of the precious metal covering them but also because they can provide archaeologists with information about the artistic traditions and religious practices of the period in which they were produced. Anuradhapura occupies a particularly important place in Sri Lanka’s history. Established as an ancient capital more than two millennia ago, it developed into a major centre of Buddhism and became home to impressive monasteries, stupas and other religious monuments.
Dr. Ihtesham Mohsin, Hyderabad
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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