A series of stone weapons dating back to the Palaeolithic period have been unearthed in the Jaffna peninsula (Sri Lanka). The discovery has been confirmed by Dr Shiran Deraniyagale, an expert on the prehistoric period, Deputy Archaeological Director Dr Nimal Perera said.
     Paleolithic artefacts have been found in locations in South India, South Asia and Africa. "However, this is the first time in Sri Lanka's history that such objects have been found relating to the Palaeolithic period in the country," Perera said. "These findings were made in Manikkai, close to Point Pedro in 1984. Nevertheless due to the 30 year war, excavation came to a halt making it impossible to unearth any evidence," the deputy director said. "Under the excavation project of Kantharodei, a combined project was launched by the Archaeological Department and the Jaffna University. Prof Krishna Raja of the Jaffna University found the stone weapons from the Jaffna peninsula," Perera added.
     Dr Perera said he inspected these weapons which were brought to Colombo and shown to Dr Deraniyagala who confirmed that the stone weapons date back to the Palaeolithic period. "No prehistoric evidence was found in Jaffna upto now. The department has begun excavations in the area now," he said.

Edited from Daily News (3 October 2011)