A collaborative archaeological project between Sri Lankan and German researchers is shedding new light on an ancient glassmaking industry that once thrived in the heart of the island. Excavations at a site near Giribawa village in the North Western Province have unearthed compelling evidence of a sophisticated glass bead production center believed to have operated between the 7th and 11th centuries.
The Giribawa Glass Manufacturing Project, launched in 2022, is jointly led by the Department of Archaeology, Web Info – Sri Lanka, the German Archaeological Institute (DAI-KAAK), the University of Kelaniya, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, and CNRS. The excavation site—locally known as ‘Pabalugala’ or “Pearl Rock”—has long been known for its scattered glass beads, but systematic research only began recently.
Archaeologists have discovered remnants of ancient furnaces used in glass production, some damaged by past looting. These findings confirm the existence of a localized glassmaking industry in Sri Lanka, which may have played a significant role in regional and international trade networks.
“The scale and sophistication of the technology point to a thriving industry,” researchers say, noting that the site may have supplied glass beads to major trade hubs such as Anuradhapura, Kuchchaveli, Pomparippu, and Mantai. Some beads traced to Sri Lanka have even been found in Egypt and Tanzania, suggesting the island’s reach extended far beyond South Asia.
Advanced methods including radiocarbon dating, chemical analysis, and digital documentation are being used to study the site’s artifacts and map its historical significance. The project aims not only to reconstruct ancient manufacturing techniques but also to understand how Sri Lanka’s artisans contributed to global trade and cultural exchange during the early medieval period.
Further updates on the Giribawa excavations are expected later this year, as the team continues to uncover the legacy of one of South Asia’s most significant ancient glassmaking sites. (NewsWire)
Image credit : German Embassy Colombo
