Iranamadu Deposit (Formation)
There was an extremely rainy climate in Sri Lanka during
the cool periods of the Great Glazier Era. During this time
higher places underwent immense soil erosion. The eroded
soil from the hilly areas deposited on lowlands. There is a soil
belt, settled in this way, stretching 32 kms from the sea coast
to the interior parts of the country. This soil layer is known as
Iranamadu Deposit (formation). The reason for giving that
name to it is that because this soil layer was clearly identified
in the area near the tanks in Iranamadu for the first time. The
stone tools, used by the prehistoric people, were found in this
soil layer.The Archaic Homo Sapien
Homo Sapien means the present human family. The earliest
of this human family originated about five hundred thousand
years ago. The term 'Archaic Homo Sapiens', is used to name
the earliest of the Homo Sapiens, who lived during the time
period between 500000 and 200000 years.Micro Stone Tools
The small sized stone tools used in the recent period of the
prehistoric era are known by this name. The length of a micro
stone tool made of alabaster or Kahanda stones is about 1 cm
to 7cm. A piece of stone broken out of the above mentioned
stone was shaped until it got a sharp edge. After that it was
attached to a piece of wood or an animal’s bone. Cutting,
scratching and drilling were done by using such tools.Overflowing Valley
Heavy rainy seasons cause floods. On these occasions both
banks of the river are submerged with water. The area of either
side of the river which goes under water is called overflowing
valley. The alluvial brought by the flood water settles in the
overflowing valley. Therefore that area is highly fertile. The
term ‘Delta’ is also used to name the overflowing valley.Important Facts
Settlements of Sri Lanka started several
hundred thousand years ago. Those who made
their early settlements in this country were
Homo Sapiens.
Early Homo Sapiens lived by adapting
themselves to diverse environmental zones.
Therefore, they lived in many places in Sri Lanka.
They did not reflect any racial identity.
The time period in which the early people’s
culture existed is known as the prehistoric era.
During that time their main livelihood was
hunting and gathering food by roaming.
During that time, they had stone tool
technology. They were used to make equipment
out of stones such as alabaster and Kahanda for
their day-to-day use. The pre-historic era is also
known as ''Mediaeval Stone Age''.
There are evidences that the prehistoric
people engaged in agriculture later. According
to available proofs, that transformation had been
complete by 2400 B.C.
Making pots, using burial grounds and using
iron metal were started during this era. This age
is known as proto-historic era.
Proto-historic era becomes an important
age because the basics which are related to the
development of Sri Lankan civilization started in
this age. The people of this country started to live
in villages during this era.
According to Mahawamsa, there was a well
organized society in Sri Lanka when Prince
Vijaya and his retinue came to this country.