Ven. Kelegama Jinarathana
Senior Lecturer
Department of Social Sciences and Comparative Studies
Faculty of Languages and Cultural Studies · Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka
Biography
Ven. Kelegama Jinarathana is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences and Comparative Studies, Faculty of Languages and Cultural Studies, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka. His teaching and research are centred on archaeology, heritage management, field archaeology, intangible cultural heritage and epigraphy. He completed his undergraduate specialization in Archaeology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and later pursued postgraduate study at the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, earning an MSc in Archaeology together with postgraduate diplomas in Archaeology and Heritage Studies.
Alongside university teaching, Ven. Jinarathana has substantial practical experience in archaeological and heritage-sector work. He has served as an Archaeological Officer at the Central Cultural Fund and has participated in archaeological excavation and field-research projects. His scholarship includes books, edited volumes, peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, excavation reports and heritage-management research, with work appearing in both national and international academic forums. His research combines field-based investigation with the documentation, interpretation and management of Sri Lanka's archaeological and cultural heritage.
Educational Qualifications
MSc in Archaeology, Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, 2017
Postgraduate Diploma in Archaeology, Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, 2019
Postgraduate Diploma in Heritage, Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, 2021
B.A. Special Degree in Archaeology, Second Class Upper Division (GPA 3.21), University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 2007-2011
Diploma in English, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, 2019
Diploma in Computer Studies, Vocational Training Centre, Dehiwala, 2009
Certificate Course in Geology, University of Colombo, 2023
MS Office Course, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 2008
Academic Positions
Senior Lecturer, Department of Social Sciences and Comparative Studies, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura (2016 - Present)
Senior Lecturer in Archaeology, External Degree Programme, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka
Administrative Positions
Member, Senate, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2025)
Member, Faculty Board of Languages and Cultural Studies, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2019)
Member, Academic Board of the Bachelor of Arts (General) External Degree and Extension Courses (2023)
Member, Internal Quality Assurance Cell, Faculty of Languages and Cultural Studies, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2023)
Coordinator, Teaching Museum of Archaeology, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2022 - 2024)
Academic Sub-Warden, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2022 - 2025)
Treasurer, Teachers' Association, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2024)
Member, Sri Lanka Council of Archaeologists (2020)
Publications & Research
Books3
- Historical Aetkan̆da Rajamahā Vihāraya. (2014). Aethkanda Vehera, Kurunegala. (Sinhala medium).
- Yāpāpaṭuna and the Dutch Fort. (2018). Author's Publications, Kurunegala. (Sinhala medium).
- Subhagiri Pawva. (2018). Savidu Publications, Polgasōviṭa. (Sinhala medium).
Edited Books / Volumes6
- Social Sciences Studies. (2020). Vol. II. Department of Social Sciences and Comparative Studies, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura.
- Pravachana. (2021). Reviewed Scholarly Collection, Second Edition. Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura.
- Archaeological Monuments and Sites of the Lower Malwathu Oya Valley. (2022). Department of Social Sciences and Comparative Studies, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura.
- URUMAYA: Journal of Archaeology, Anthropology and Heritage Management Studies. (2022). Vol. 2, Issue 1. Department of Social Sciences and Comparative Studies, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka.
- URUMAYA: Journal of Archaeology, Anthropology and Heritage Management Studies. (2022). Vol. 2, Issue 2. Department of Social Sciences and Comparative Studies, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka.
- Historical Hasthishailapura Aethkanda Vehera Vatha - Sri Dalada Poson Perahera Centenary Anniversary Academic Journal. (2025). Aethkanda Rajamaha Viharaya, Kurunegala.
High-Index Journal Articles2
- Terminal Pleistocene to Mid-Holocene rainforest foragers in Sri Lanka: Multidisciplinary insights at Kebella-lena rock shelter. (2025). Quaternary Science Reviews, 351. Elsevier.
- Foragers in ancient rainforests in Sri Lanka: Late Pleistocene to Late Holocene evidence from Fa-Hien Lena rockshelter. (2026). Quaternary Science Reviews, 385. Elsevier.
Journal Articles (Peer-Reviewed)8
- Historical Subhagiri Pawa: History after King Bhuvanekabahu I Period. (2016). Pravacana, Sri Lanka Bhikkhu University Academic Journal, 7th Issue, No. II.
- A Study on Management Teachings Useful for Archaeological Heritage Management. (2017). Pravacana, Sri Lanka Bhikkhu University Academic Journal, 8th Issue, No. I.
- An Investigation into the Concept of Heritage. (2018). Pravacana, Sri Lanka Bhikkhu University Academic Journal, 9th Issue, No. I.
- An Investigation into the Ornamental Staircase and Gateway Pavilion of Yapahuwa. (2018). Pravacana, Sri Lanka Bhikkhu University Academic Journal, 9th Issue, No. II.
- A Study on the Involvement and Role of Monks in the Heritage Protection Process. (2019). Pravachana, Sri Lanka Bhikkhu University Academic Journal, 10th Issue, No. I.
- Design Features of the Forts Used in the Ancient Sri Lanka Defence Organization. (2020). Pravachana, Sri Lanka Bhikkhu University Academic Collection, 11th Issue, No. I.
- A Survey of Non-Alphabetic Symbols Found in Various Places in Sri Lanka. (2021). Urumaya: A Journal of Archaeology, Anthropology and Heritage Management, Vol. 1, No. I.
- An Investigation into the Nature of the Classical Educational Process Associated with the Monasteries of the Anuradhapura Period. (2024). Pravacana, Sri Lanka Bhikkhu University Academic Journal, 15th Issue, No. I.
Articles in Academic Journals (Non–Peer Reviewed)4
- History of the Dutch Fort of Jaffna. (2012). Charana Academic Journal, Vol. 4, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
- History of Epigraphic Studies in the Construction of Sri Lankan Cultural History. (2013). Sankasana Academic Journal, Vol. 1, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
- A Study on the Pali Inscription Found in Nakolagane Temple. (2016). Ancient Ceylon, No. 25, Department of Archaeology, Colombo.
- History of Yapahuwa and its Environs from the Beginning of the Prehistoric Period to its Emergence as a Defensive Centre. (2016). Charana Academic Journal, 7th Edition, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Conference Papers (National)5
- A Study of the Vaharala Inscription Found at the Ambanpola Atharagalla-Gurugoda Archaeological Site. (2013). 1st National Research Symposium on Archaeology and Heritage Studies, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.
- A Study of the Coin Collection Recently Discovered at the Ethakanda Rajamaha Viharaya that Reveals China-Sri Lanka Relations. (2013). 9th Annual Conference on Buddhist Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
- A Study of the Pali Inscription Found at the Nakolagane Rajamaha Viharaya, Ambanpola. (2016). 9th Annual Research Conference, Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka.
- An Investigation into the Usefulness of Archaeological Sources in Corroborating Historical Information Presented in Literary Sources: Based on the Yapahuwa Archaeological Monument Site. (2017). 3rd National Buddhist Conference, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka.
- An Investigation into the Unpublished Pillar Inscription at Galkadawala in Anuradhapura. (2022). National Archaeology Symposium, Department of Archaeology, Colombo.
Conference Papers (International)6
- Myths and Legends of the Sutta-pitaka: A Structural and Thematic Study. (2018). International Research Conference in Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHS).
- A Comparative Investigation on the Rituals Based on the Ruwanweliseya Inscription in the Period of Queen Kalyanawathi and Their Present Position. (2019). International Conference on Heritage as Soft Power, University of Kelaniya.
- The Right View on the Forerunner in the Eight Fold Path as Enunciated in the Mahacattarasaka Sutta. (2019). 5th International Buddhist Conference, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka.
- A Study of a Newly Found Prehistoric Site at Palindanuwara in Western Sri Lanka. (2020). 7th International Congress of the Society of South Asian Archaeology (SOSAA).
- An Investigation into the Challenges Posed by Human Activities to Heritage Management in the Ancient City of Anuradhapura. (2021). 6th International Conference, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka.
- An Archaeological Study of Burial Rituals Revealed by the Katupotha Megalithic Burial Site. (2024). 8th International Buddhist Conference, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka.
Thesis / Dissertation1
- Creating a Heritage Management Plan for Yapahuwa. (2018). MSc in Archaeology Thesis, Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya.
Reports / Research Publications2
- Report of the Nagolla Jantaghara Excavation. (2015). Yapahuwa Project, Central Cultural Fund.
- Caves and Rock Outcrops. (2018). In Archaeological Sites and Monuments of Uththuwelli and Kongrayankulam in the Malvathu Oya Valley, Department of Social Sciences and Comparative Studies, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka.
Awards & Distinctions
Senate Honours, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, for publication of the paper “Terminal Pleistocene to Mid-Holocene rainforest foragers in Sri Lanka: Multidisciplinary insights at Kebella-lena rock shelter” in Quaternary Science Reviews, Vol. 351.
Best Presenter, Staff Development Research Forum 2019, Staff Development Programme for Probationary Lecturers, University of Kelaniya.
Best Portfolio Report, Staff Development Research Forum 2019, Staff Development Programme for Probationary Lecturers, University of Kelaniya.
Fields of Interest
Memberships
Member, Sri Lanka Council of Archaeologists (SLCA 0223)
Member, Faculty Board of Languages and Cultural Studies, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka
Member, Board of Study, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka
Member, Senate, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka
Member, Teachers' Association, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka