Who We Are
IAHS is a non-profit, independent academic and research institute founded and shaped by the passionate archaeologist and engineer, in 2019, to nurture an appreciation for Sri Lankan heritage and history among the general public, and provide archaeological and heritage management consultancy to private and public organizations.
The Genesis – an Independent Arm of archaeology.lk, Sri Lanka Archaeology
Till very recently, Sri Lanka Archaeology had been the only State-funded body dealing with archaeological requirements across the country.
An organization of international repute, its seminal work has won it many awards and accolades. The 2012 e-Swabhimani Award in the e-Culture and Heritage category and the Jurors Encouragement Award in 2013 at the Manthan Awards are some of the awards the Organization is best-known for.
Despite the Organization’s exemplary work in the field of archaeology and heritage exploration and preservation and research, there was an urgent need to further the cause through additional means.
To address these gaps in research and archaeological management, the Institute of Archaeology and Heritage Studies (IAHS) was set up by the passionate and innovative archaeology enthusiast duo, Eng. Anuradha Piyadasa and Archaeologist Chandima Ambanwala.
History
This is the latest addition to the archaeology.lk group. This was formed to carry out the academic and other professional services related to archaeology and heritage studies, carried out earlier by the archaeology.lk.
This was established in 2019, and the founders of the institute are Anuradha Piyadasa and Chandima Ambanwala.
- 2020 – First exploration carried out in Horana
- 2020 – Online Lecture Series during Covid-19 lockdown
- 2020 – Registration as a non-profit company
Legality and Institute Objectives
The Institute is a legal entity registered under Article 34 of Companies Act 07 of 2007.
IAHS is an independent organization that focuses on the identification, preservation, and responsible exploration of prehistoric archaeological sites in the Island country and achieves it through its four main focus areas.
- Academic Courses
- Research and Publication
- Archaeological Consultancy
- Content Development
It is the only independent archaeological institute in Sri Lanka that provides academic courses, conducts research, and offers archaeological and heritage preservation consultancy to Government and private entities.
The Institute is partly funded by Sri Lanka Archaeology and also raises funds through research and consultancy projects that the experts take up.