Ven. Dr. Uduwila Uparathana
Director, SDC / Senior Lecturer
Department of Social Sciences and Comparative Studies
Faculty of Languages and Cultural Studies · Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka
Biography
Ven. Dr. Uduwila Uparathana is a Senior Lecturer in Archaeology and Heritage Management in the Department of Social Sciences and Comparative Studies at the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka. His academic work focuses on prehistoric archaeology, zooarchaeology, osteology, anthropology, heritage management, protohistory and the interpretation of material culture. He has participated in and led archaeological excavations and explorations in Sri Lanka, with particular attention to prehistoric and historic settlements, human subsistence, faunal remains, ritual practices and long-term cultural development. His research uses interdisciplinary archaeological evidence to investigate the relationship between people, animals, landscapes and cultural traditions across different periods of Sri Lankan history.
His scholarly interests also extend to sustainable and ethical heritage management, archaeological interpretation and the preservation of Sri Lanka’s cultural resources. As an academic, he combines field archaeology with teaching and research, encouraging students to develop practical archaeological skills, critical thinking and a strong appreciation of cultural heritage. In addition to his teaching and research responsibilities, he has contributed extensively to university administration and academic development through leadership roles in archaeology degree coordination, staff development, quality assurance, website management, programme review, technical committees, student activities and the University Senate. His publication record includes research on prehistoric human evidence, zooarchaeology, faunal assemblages, megalithic burials, Buddhist archaeology, ancient social structure, rock shelters, biodiversity, material culture and heritage sites in Sri Lanka and South Asia.
Educational Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Postgraduate and Research Institute of Archaeology, Deccan College, Pune, India, 2018
Master of Archaeology (First Class), Postgraduate and Research Institute of Archaeology, Deccan College, Pune, India, 2011
Master of Arts in Buddhism, Postgraduate Institute of Buddhist Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2009
Postgraduate Diploma in Archaeology (Merit), 2006
BA Honours in Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2005
Academic Positions
Senior Lecturer, Department of Social Sciences and Comparative Studies, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2021–Present)
Administrative Positions
Chairman, University Website Management Committee, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka
Coordinator, Archaeology Honours Degree Programme, Department of Social Sciences and Comparative Studies, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka
Director, Staff Development Centre, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka
Academic Sub-Warden, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka
Coordinator, Quality Assurance Cell, Faculty of Languages and Cultural Studies, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka
Chairperson, Quality Management Cell for Programme Review
Member, Quality Upgrade Committee of the Internal Degree Programme, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka
Chairman, Technical Committee, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka
Senior Treasurer, Students Association of Archaeology, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka
Member, Senate, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka
Publications & Research
Journal Articles (Selected)19
- Uparathana, U. (2025). An Archaeological Study of Ungulates Found in Prehistoric Excavations in Sri Lanka. Pravachana, 16(1), 24–31. DOI: 10.4038/p.v16i1.59.
- Uparathana, U. (2025). An Archaeological Study on Prehistoric Human Evidence Found So Far in Sri Lanka. Pravachana, 16(2), 24–31. DOI: 10.4038/p.v16i2.69.
- Uparathana, U. (2026). An Archaeological Study on the Naga Symbol Associated with Tanks in the Historical Period of Sri Lanka. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 10(1). DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.10100085.
- Uparathana, U. (2026). Psychosocial and Biological Characteristics of the Veddas in Anuradhapura District: The Interplay between Tradition and Modernization. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 10(1). DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.10100084.
- Foragers in Ancient Rainforests in Sri Lanka: Late Pleistocene to Late Holocene Evidence from Fa-Hien Lena Rockshelter. Quaternary Science Reviews (2026).
- An Investigation into the Historical Utility and Present Usage of Ranmasu Uyana, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka (2026). DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1841219.
- An Archaeological Study on Megalithic Burial Architectures in Sri Lanka: Focusing on Ibbankatuwa, Padavigampola, and Haldummulla (2026).
- Terminal Pleistocene to Mid-Holocene Rainforest in Sri Lanka: Multidisciplinary Insights at Kebella-Lena Rock Shelter. Quaternary Science Reviews (2025).
- Study of Palaeo and Modern Biodiversity and Its Usage by Present-Day People around Mahakanadarawa Tank (2023).
- Study of Horse in Time and Space (2022).
- A Study of Social Hierarchy in Ancient Sri Lanka (2021).
- Bone Modification and Taphonomic Study on Faunal Assemblage at Rakhigarhi in Haryana District (2021).
- A Study of Long Bone and Scapula of Selected Domestic Animals. Pravachana (2020).
- A Study of Dietary Patterns and Rituals Based on the Animals of the Common People in Anuradhapura. Pravachana, 10(2) (2019).
- Archaeological Study of Snake Sculpture of Ancient Sri Lanka. Pravachana, 11(1) (2019).
- A Study of Prehistoric and Early Historic Cultural Information through Archaeological Remains at the Jethavanaramaya Vihara Complex in Anuradhapura. Pravachana, 9(1) (2018).
- The Principle of Usage of Faunal Evidence in the Early Buddhist Tradition. Pravachana, 7(2) (2016).
- A Study of Bones and Ivory Objects of the Jethavanaramaya Buddhist Monastery Complex in Anuradhapura. Pravachana, 7(1) (2016).
- Buddhist Cave Architecture in Western India. Vesakhanda Magazine (2013).
Conference Papers (Selected)14
- An Archaeological Study into the Origin, Usage, and Evolution of the Janthaghara as a Buddhist Monastic Architectural Construction. International Seminar on Integrating Indian Knowledge System: With Reference to Odisha Chapter (2026).
- A Study Based on Tripitaka Sources Regarding Ayurvedic Treatment Methods in Buddhist Era Society. International Seminar on Integrating Indian Knowledge System: With Reference to Odisha Chapter (2026).
- An Archaeo-Zoological Analysis of the Animal Sculptures at the Konark Sun Temple in Orissa, India. 9th International Buddhist Conference, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2026).
- An Archaeological Study on the Tantrayana Influence in Sri Lanka as Revealed by Antiquities from Jethavana and Abhayagiriya. 9th International Buddhist Conference, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2026).
- A Study of the Human Activities of the Prehistoric Period in the Anuradhapura Area in North Central Sri Lanka. 7th International Conference on the Humanities (2025).
- Study of Stupa Architecture Based on Selected Archaeological Sites in North Central Sri Lanka. 10th World Archaeological Congress, Darwin, Australia (2025).
- Study of Bone and Ivory Objects at Jethavanaramaya in Sri Lanka. Royal Asiatic Society Annual Research Conference (2016).
- Study of Rock Art at Neelagirikanda and Tharulengala Cave Complex in Ampara. Royal Asiatic Society Annual Research Conference (2013).
- An Investigation on the Methods of Using Archaeological Findings to Support Sanskrit Epic Tales. Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2023).
- Newly Found Prehistoric Site in Western Sri Lanka. SOSA Conference (2020).
- Elephant Figure Found in Jethavana Vihara Complex, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. International Conference on the Asian Elephant in Culture and Nature, University of Kelaniya (2016).
- A Study of Beads at Jethavanaramaya Buddhist Monastery Complex. International Seminar on Symbolism in Indian Art, Archaeology and Literature, Deccan College, Pune, India (2016).
- Animal Bones Study at Rakhigarhi. IAAH International Conference, University of Kelaniya (2015).
- Study of Faunal Remains at Rakhigarhi Early Harappan Site, Haryana, India. International Conference on Indus Civilization, University of Kerala, India (2013).
Fields of Interest
Memberships
Member, Sri Lanka Council of Archaeologists
Member, Royal Asiatic Society, Ceylon Branch
Member, Indian Society for Prehistoric and Quaternary Studies (ISPQS)