Biography Overview
This page presents a documented overview of the life, education, and professional career of Dr. Saddhamangala Karunaratne.
Chronological Timeline of Dr. Saddhamangala Karunaratne
- 1924 – Born in Sri Lanka.
- 1946 – B.A. (Honours) in Pali and Sanskrit, University of Ceylon.
- 1949 – M.A. in Pali.
- 1950 – Appointed Assistant Archaeological Commissioner.
- 1960 – PhD in Epigraphy, University of Cambridge.
- 1983 – Retired as Archaeological Commissioner of Sri Lanka.
- 2003 – Awarded the Desha Bandhu national honor.
Archival Photographs
Early Life and Academic Formation
Early Life and Academic Formation
Dr. Saddhamangala Karunaratne was born in 1924 in Sri Lanka. His early academic training in Pali and Sanskrit laid the foundation for his later specialization in epigraphy and early historical studies.
He obtained a B.A. (Honours) in Pali and Sanskrit in 1946 and an M.A. in Pali in 1949 from the University of Ceylon. In 1960, he completed his PhD in Epigraphy at the University of Cambridge. His doctoral thesis, Brāhmī Inscriptions of Ceylon, remains an important contribution to the study of early Sri Lankan inscriptions.
Professional Career
In 1950, he was appointed Assistant Archaeological Commissioner in the Department of Archaeology. Working under Professor Senerat Paranavitana, he specialized in the documentation, publication, and interpretation of Brāhmī inscriptions.
He later served as Archaeological Commissioner of Sri Lanka, overseeing research initiatives, preservation efforts, and scholarly publications until his retirement in 1983.
His work contributed to the systematic study of Sri Lanka’s early historical records and clarified connections between epigraphy, Buddhist art, and South Asian historical traditions.
A daughter’s reflections
“My earliest memory of my father is his return from Cambridge after completing his PhD. I was five and was delighted with the musical, animated dolls he brought from England.
In my early years, I had the opportunity to accompany my father on several of his archaeological expeditions. His safari attire, the sturdy hat he wore, and the long rifle he carried for protection from wild animals, set against the breathtaking beauty of Sri Lanka’s most historic landscapes, remains forever etched in my memory, seen through the awe-filled curiosity of a child.
In a unique way my father was a man of few words. Although, he seldom offered advice or guidance directly, his quiet, exceptional personality allowed me the freedom to shape my own independence.”
Chandani Ginigalagoda, M.A. (Counseling Psychology)
Family of Dr. Saddhamangala Karunaratne
Father: Wijesinghe William Karunaratne (Born in Kalutara, Sri Lanka)
Mother: Ubeyasekara Malini Mangalika Karunaratne (Born in Kalutara, Sri Lanka)
Sister: Wijesinghe Visakha Gunatilake (Born, Kalutara, Sri Lanka)
Sister: Sujatha Stevens (Born, Kalutara, Sri Lanka)
Spouse: Lathpandura Chandra Karunarane (Born in Dehiwala, Sri Lanka)
Wijesinghe Kumudini Shobha ( Born in Bambalapitiya, Sri Lanka)
Wijesinghe Aruni Priyanwada Jayawardena (Born in Bambalapitiya, Sri Lanka)
Wijesinghe Chandani Sakuntala Ginigalgodage (Born in Bambalapitiya, Sri Lanka)
Wijesinghe Deepani Yasoja Karunaratne (Born in Bambalapitiya, Sri Lanka)
Ananda Jayawadane (late Brigadier)
Kanchana Keerthi Ginigalgodage
Mindika Jayawardena
Ruchinda Ginigalgodage
Duleendra Jayawadena
Yeshanthi Jayawardena
Nimilini Jayawardena
Di Ho Ginigalgodage
Akindu Jayawardena
Dulain Jayawardena
Dinara Jayawardena
Theshan Jayawardena
Neela Olive Ginigalgodage