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An ongoing exhibition at the National Museum in Colombo is challenging current theories on Sigirya. German archeological photographer Rainer Franz’s research speculates that Sigiriya’s rock paintings carry a story that had faded with time.

Armed with a camera, Franz has reconstructed paintings of several Sigiriya grottos and cave paintings in Vessagiriya, revealing intricate details that had been lost to centuries of weathering. His speculative findings suggest that the ancient rock fortress and its surrounding had been covered with paintings during its glory days. Franz’s findings also suggest that the famous fresco depicting women are the Court Ladies of King Kashayapa and not Apsaras as widely speculated.

Pix by Sulochana Gamage