Professor Leelananda Prematilleke is a renowned archaeologist who lived in this country in recent times. He was a valuable scholar who worked with a good understanding of not only archeology but also history and our heritage.
He worked for a long time as the Professor of Archeology at the University of Peradeniya and contributed to bequeath many new archaeologists to the country. Those archaeologists, who studied archeology and gained experience through field education, are currently working in the Department of Archaeology, in the universities and higher education institutions of the island.
Prof. Prematilleke, who also served as a director of the Cultural Triangle, performed a valuable service in organizing Dalada Maligawa, Polonnaruwa and Colombo museums. One cannot quantify the knowledge and understanding that can be obtained from these museums for the scholars who are studying the history and archeology and national heritage of Sri Lanka.
Prof. Prematilleke, who has compiled many valuable books and documents, has done a great service for students through lectures, seminars and discussions.
Prof. Prematilleke, who was born into a family of close associates of the Kelaniya Vidyalankara Pirivena, worked tirelessly from his childhood to broaden his knowledge and understanding from the past great scholars who lived in Vidyalankara Pirivena. Having gained a wide understanding of arts and painting, he also contributed to the creation of the covers of many books written by Vidyalayankara scholars.
Even though he lived a high-profile life among the educated people, he lived a humble life and offered to help and advise the researchers and students of higher education without any hesitation. In my research on Dalada history and culture, I must gratefully recall that the archaeological advice and guidance given to me on the ancient Dalada palace designs in Sri Lanka was very helpful in making my research successful.
Ven. Aggamaha Pandita Professor Kumburugamuwe Vajira Nayaka Thero | Vidyalankara Pirivena, Kelaniya.