The Dugong dugon in Ancient Sri Lanka

Dugongs (Dugong dugon) play a pivotal role in Sri Lankas history and mythology. Once thought to be the lady of the sea by ancient seafarers, who visited Sri Lanka. Archaeological excavation in the northern part of Sri Lanka... [ view full abstract ]

Dugongs (Dugong dugon) play a pivotal role in Sri Lankas history and mythology. Once thought to be the lady of the sea by ancient seafarers, who visited Sri Lanka. Archaeological excavation in the northern part of Sri Lanka has unearthed microliths, mostly stone implements together with dugong bones, this suggest that ancient aborigines of Sri Lanka viz., Yaks, Nagas, Rakus and the Asuras were used to eating dugong, as most bones bore cut marks from the said microliths.

To understand better the historical grounds of the relationship between dugongs and coastal communities of Sri Lanka, we have conducted a scoping study, covering representative sites in North and Northwest of Sri Lanka. The scoping study covered dugongs and their seagrass habitats, without which dugongs cannot survive. The results from the study will feed decision making and ensure better integration of communities’ culture and concerns in dugong and seagrass conservation across coastal Sri Lanka.