Vidyajyothi Dr Raja de Silva, former Commissioner of Archaeology at the Department of Archaeology of Sri Lanka, passed away today, the 23rd, February 2026. His remains will lie in state for public respects tomorrow, the 24th, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the A. F. Raymond Hall. The cremation will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Borella Cemetery.
Dr de Silva began his service with the Department of Archaeology in 1949 and made distinguished and invaluable contributions to preserving and advancing Sri Lanka’s archaeological heritage during his tenure as Commissioner from 1967 to 1979. Notably, in 1967, he collaborated with the Italian chemist Luciano Maranzi on the restoration of the Sigiriya paintings.
An alumnus of Royal College, Colombo, Dr de Silva earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Ceylon and the University of London and later earned his Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) from the University of Oxford.
The Council of Archaeologists of Sri Lanka extends its deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and all who mourn his loss.
Sri Lanka Council of Archaeologist