Speleological Exploration to Sthreepura Lena Cave at Kuruwita, Sri Lanka

Abstract
Sthreepura Lena Cave (06°49′ 54.6” N and 08°22′ 27.8” E) in Rathnapura District located 322.78m msl was speleologically investigated in November 2009. The cave is in the steep slope of eastern escarpment of Soodagala mountain range of the Peak Wildernes tropical rain forest and belongs to crystalline terrain of highland complex. Basic ground maps, several cross sections and longitudinal sections were drawn and cave fauna and formations were observed.

Spleomorphology-of-Sthreepura-Lena-Cave
Spleomorphology of Sthreepura Lena Cave

The cave bedrock comprises hornblende-biotite gneiss which is 20 m high and shows many signs of rock falls. The entrance is 12m wide with an average height of 1.5m,

aligned along the north-south and facing the east. The cave extends over an area of 90m x 40m and the interior is divided into two main spaces as outer and inner chambers which are connected by a 15m long passage on

the south wall which has a bearing of 145°. The outer and the inner chambers are separated by a massive load of rock falls. Outer and inner chambers extend in an area of 30m x 15m and 10m x 5m respectively. The inner chamber extends towards the east with a bearing of 140° making the eastern passage and the northwest with a bearing of 210° making the north-west passage. Micro-chiropteran bats, geckos, two species of frogs (Adenomus kelaarti and Phillautus sarasinorum), cave crickets, two species of spiders (family Philodromidae and Nemesiidae), pupae, and egg cases of insects were found in the cave. Stalactites, Stalagmites, and flowstones were found in the cave although not exceeding more than 5cm in length. A pool was found inside the cave connecting both chambers at the ground level of the cave. Sediment deposits in the cave would provide waste opportunities for much archeological investigation.

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Weliange W.S1, Dandeniya A.S2, Elgiriya P1, Dewage D.D3, Alahakoon A.M.D4, Hettiaarchchi N5 & P Jayasingha6

1Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, 407, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka

2BGJF Consultancy Services, 35A ½, Sunethradewi Road Kohuwala, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka

3Departement of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

4132, Track 5, Rajanganaya, Sri Lanka

5 Farm Garden, Hidellana, Rathnapura, Sri Lanka

6Research Laboratory, Central Cultural Fund, No 11, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka

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