Celebrating Heritage
Join with us to redefine our history and reconceive heritage narratives
Heritage Alliance Lanka Inc.
We aspire to catalyse discovery, recording, and preservation of Sri Lankan history and heritage, and foster awareness and collaboration that transcend boundaries.
Who we are
We are a non-profit organisation headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. We have members across four continents coming together to support discovery and preservation of our heritage and to disseminate this knowledge to the global audience.
What we do
We fund projects that aim to discover and/or preserve our heritage and educate the public. We provide strategic advocacy to state and non-state stakeholders on linking our heritage to development and wellbeing of the people.
How you can help
Heritage discovery and preservation is resource intensive. You can help by donating and/or volunteering.
HAL Talks
The Chronicle of Indigenous Theatre
This presentation explores the past, present, and heritage of traditional theatre arts. It provides a simple introduction to what drama and theatre are, the different types of contemporary theatre, and their religious and cultural contexts. It also traces the evolution of modern theatre and how it has developed over time.
Prasannajith Abeysuriya
Senior Lecturer, Department of Drama, Ballet & Contemporary Dance, University of the Visual & Performing Arts
HAL Talks – Episode 08
7th June 2026
Irrigation Heritage in Ancient Sri Lanka
This presentation looks at the ancient irrigation systems of Sri Lanka and the engineering technology behind them. It explains how tank cascade systems and connected waterways worked together to support farming and village life. It also covers the surrounding ecosystems, social and cultural activities linked to irrigation, and the main parts of traditional reservoirs and lakes.
Prof. Chandana Withanachchi
Senior Professor Department of Archaeology and Heritage Management, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
HAL Talks – Episode 07
26th April 2026
Is the Kolam Face Just a Mask?
This is a discussion on the history and evolution of Sri Lanka’s Kolam theatre tradition, its current practice, and the challenges it faces today. The authenticity of this traditional art form is being preserved and carried forward by a rich family heritage in Kolam performance, the Ambalangoda Juwanwadu Wijesooriya lineage.
Manoshika Wijesooriya
A distinguished artist representing the seventh generation of the traditional Ambalangoda Juwanwadu Wijesuriya Kolam lineage
HAL Talks – Episode 06
29th March 2026
What’s Next on HAL Talks

Coins and Currency As a Source of Historical Research
Chandrika Neelamani Jayasinghe
A Numismatist, Specialising in Sri Lankan Coinage,
(particularly money of the Early Historical Period)
BA Hon., MA on Archaeology, University of Kelaniya,

ශ්රී ලංකාව තම්බපන්නිය වූයේ කෙසේද ?
Prof. Arjuna thantilage Director, Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya
Completed Projects
- Meemuré archaeological excavation
- Complete video documentation of an archaeological excavation
- The documentary “The Saga of the Mountain Dwellers”
- “Kaala Tharana” (Traversing Time) Fund Raising Project
- Public awareness video series
- Cataloguing and preservation of archaeological artefacts
- Training emerging archaeologists on creating public awareness
- Heritage library
Ongoing Projects
- Heritage-related PhD programmes
- Heritage-related research
- Knowledge-sharing and capacity building
- Preservation or conservation of tangible or intangible heritage
- HAL Talks webinar series
- HAL Stories
- Preservation and sustainability of traditional crafts
- Heritage library
Grant Opportunities
Current Grant Opportunities
At HAL, we are dedicated to supporting projects that align with our mission to foster research and discovery in the fields of archaeology, history, and culture. We invite applications for HAL Grants from individuals and organizations conducting innovative research in these areas. To be considered for funding, all applicants must complete and submit a detailed application form, outlining the scope of their proposed project and its alignment with HAL’s objectives.
Our achievements
Our achievements
Meemure Excavation: An Interview with
Dr. Ovida Vipulaguna.
The program ‘Kaala Tarana’ was broadcasted on the Melbourne Visvavahini TV channel in Australia.
Neth FM Unlimited History
( 171 -Programme )
Recorded on location at the archaeological excavation site in Meemure, Dandeni Kumbure, Kumbukbere, under the sponsorship of HFSL, led by Prof. Raj Somadava.
HFSL made its appearance in the public media spotlight through the well-received weekly radio show “Unlimited History” on Neth FM
Join with Heritage Alliance Lanka Today
When you join the Heritage Alliance Lanka, you’ll be joining a group of individuals passionate about archaeology, protecting the cultural heritage, and disseminating archaeological research.
Support us today
The Heritage Alliance Lanka is a nonprofit organization dedicated to archaeology. The Association advances awareness, education, fieldwork, preservation, publication, and research of archaeological sites and cultural heritage. Your contribution makes a difference.