Obituary of Siran Deraniyagala, Founder of Sri Lankan Archaeology (March 1, 1942-October 5, 2021)

Abstract

Siran Upendra Deraniyagala was a remarkable and influential figure in South Asian Paleolithic archaeology. His extensive excavations of Palaeolithic sites, his massive synthesis of chronology and ecological context of prehistoric life in Sri Lanka, contributions to conservation and research policy in his country, and his support of later generations of palaeoanthropological researchers was all noteworthy. In this obituary we describe his life and contributions.