Cultural Materials Analysis Laboratory
Cultural Materials Analysis Laboratory
Email: lcmapgiar@kln.ac.lk Tel: 011 699623 | 071 888577 | 070 2721624
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Empowering the Future of Heritage through Scientific Excellence
The Laboratory for Cultural Material Analysis (LCMA) is the specialized scientific arm of the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR) at the University of Kelaniya. Functioning as a premier national service center and an advanced research hub, the LCMA bridges the gap between theoretical archaeology and practical preservation. Our mission is twofold: to intensify scientific interventions in Sri Lankan archaeology and to train the next generation of competitive specialists capable of independent research and global scientific contribution. The LCMA offers scientific assistance to the National Archaeological institutions of the country to help to safeguard our National Heritage
Our Strategic Mission
Scientific Intensification: We move beyond descriptive archaeology toward an "archaeological science" that utilizes high-resolution analytical chemistry and multi-proxy evidence to reconstruct past human behaviors.
Specialist Training: We serve as a dedicated space for postgraduate researchers to master the applications of conservation and archaeological science through hands-on laboratory and field experience.
Institutional Advancement: As the "center of gravity" for Sri Lanka’s archaeological community, the LCMA promotes PGIAR's research excellence both locally and within the international academic landscape.
Our Services
The LCMA provides comprehensive scientific analysis across three primary domains, utilizing staff expertise in both hard sciences and the social signifiers of material culture.
Structural and Morphological Analysis
Metallographic Procedures: Investigations into historic metals, slag, and ancient furnaces to reconstruct pre-industrial smelting technologies and international trade networks.
Petrographic Analysis: Microscopic examination of thin sections (pottery, glass, bone, and stone) to determine mineralogical composition and manufacturing provenance.
Soil Morphological Analysis: Analysis of excavation sediments and soil layers, to reconstruct ancient landscapes and site formation processes.
Compositional Characterization
Material Identification: Testing the physical and chemical properties of high-value artifacts, coins, and pigments.
Chemical Characterization: Scientific validation of conservation treatments, including the identification of adulterations in historic oils and mortars.
Archaeological Documentation
Archaeological Documentation
LiDAR Mapping : Mapping archaeological sites using Lidar technology.
Photogrammetry : Recording of archaeological monuments, murals, and artifacts using three-dimensional and two-dimensional documentation using the photogrammetry method.
Digital Estampage (Inscription Recording): Digital three-dimensional recording of various types of inscriptions is done using photogrammetry technology. This allows for detailed inscription recording at cost effective, time consuming, and efficient, and was successfully used as a substitute for the Dimbulagala inscription.
Analytical Services & Consultancy
The LCMA acts as an essential service provider for government agencies and private collectors. To utilize our facilities for material analysis, please follow our submission protocols :
Sample Registration: All submissions must be accompanied by the official LCMA Sample Submission Form.
Expert Consultation: We assist conservators and archaeologists in solving practical preservation problems and developing site-specific techniques.
Postgraduate Training & Research
The LCMA is deeply integrated into the PGIAR academic curriculum, moving beyond "populist" training to produce specialists ready for the global stage.
MSc in Archaeology: Intensive practical training within units such as Field and Lab Methods in Archaeology and Methodologies for Characterizing Cultural Materials.
PhD Research: The laboratory provides the instrumentation and supervisory expertise necessary for research-intensive degrees, specifically in specializations like ancient metallurgy, bioarchaeology, and environmental archaeology.
Field & Lab Experience Periods: Students participate in 30-to-90-day field and lab experience modules (MSFEP), engaging in site planning, excavation, and high-level material analysis.
National Contributions & Impact
The LCMA undertakes critical research and documentation for major national bodies, including the Department of Archaeology, the Central Cultural Fund (CCF), and the Department of National Museums.
Sigiriya Mirror Wall Project: Utilizing spectroscopy and antimicrobial screening to determine biocide treatments for world heritage mural preservation.
Ibbankatuwa Auguring Project: Mapping the extent of protohistoric settlements using non-invasive technology for Archaeological Impact Assessments (AIA).
World Atlas of Maritime Buddhism: Representing the nation in the World Atlas of Maritime Buddhism through 3D photographic recording and digital documentation.
Digital Recording of Dimbulagala Inscription : The Dimbulagala Inscription, the largest in Sri Lanka, discovered in the Dimbulagala area in 2024, was recorded using modern digital techniques. A digital estampage of this inscription was obtained and successfully recorded using Lidar, photogrammetry, and multispectral methods.
Publications: LCMA Series
Our research output is disseminated through the Laboratory of Cultural Material Analysis Publication Series, providing evidence-based narratives of Sri Lanka’s technological evolution .
Series 1: Technological Study of Ancient Sri Lankan Kodithuwakkuwa
Series 2: Adulterations in Dummala Oil for Ola-leaf Manuscript Conservation
Series 3: Metallographic Study of Iron Implements from Diverse Contexts
Series 4: Archaeological Account of the Kurullangala Rock Art Site
Series 5: Chemical Characterization of Red Pigments in Kandy Period Murals
Research Conducting by LCMA
Research Conducting by LCMA
Nikawalamulla burial excavation Project
Nikawalamulla burial excavation Project
Rescue Excavation Project with Ministry of Environment
Nikawalamulla burial excavation Project
Nikawalamulla burial excavation Project
Rescue Excavation Project with Ministry of Environment
Sri Lanka Buddhist Heritage Digital Recording Project
Sri Lanka Buddhist Heritage Digital Recording Project
Atlas of Maritime Buddhism International Project
Sigiriya Mirror wall Conservation Project
Sigiriya Mirror wall Conservation Project
Sigiriya Mirror wall Conservation Project with
Central Cultural Fund
Yapahuwa Surveying Project
Yapahuwa Surveying Project
Archaeological Surveying Project with Central Cultural Fund
Staff
Dr. Arjuna Thantilage : Coordinator LCMA, Sinor Lecture in PGIAR
Dr. Indika Vithanage – Scientific Assistant
Mr. Jayampath Senanayaka – Scientific Assistant
Mr. Sampath Perera – Lab Assistant
Contact Information
Laboratory for Cultural Material Analysis (LCMA) Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology 407, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
Phone: 071 448 8726 / 071 888 5771
Email: lcmapgiar@kln.ac.lk
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
I have updated the content to include strategic institutional history, a detailed technical service menu, and highlights of your international digital recording projects to boost the laboratory's global profile as requested.
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