Several artefacts belonging to the Dutch-Ceylon colonial era were found in the premises of the star fort at Matara.
According to the Police, the artefacts were found while workers had dug a pit in front of the Election Commission Office located within the Fort to put up a utility pole.
The artefacts suspected to be human remains, a piece of porcelain, a smoking pipe, and pieces of clay products were found at the site.
The Department of Archaeology had been informed in this regard, who had in turn informed the Police, after which facts had been presented to the Matara Magistrate’s Court.
The Matara Magistrate courts had ordered the artefacts to be placed at the Museum at the Matara Star Fort
The Department of Archaeology was also instructed to continue excavations at the site.
It is noted that the department has issued a statement confirming that the retrieved artefacts belong to the Dutch-Ceylon colonial era