Arabic Inscriptions in Sri Lanka
A small number of Arabic inscriptions (Sinhala: ශ්රී ලංකාවේ අරාබි සෙල්ලිපි) have been found in Sri Lanka from maritime regions as well as from hinterland. The majority of them are tombstones while some others are votive in character. The percentage of the number of Arabic inscriptions in Sri Lanka is considerably very low when it compares to the amount of Sinhala inscriptions (majority language) recorded so far in the country.
The records date between the 9th -15th century period. The script used generally was Kufic, but other scripts such as Naskh and Farisi (Persian) have also been reported. The list of Arabic inscriptions This is an incomplete list prepared by "Lanka Pradeepa". No. Inscription Remarks References 1 Puliyantivu inscription (Mannar District) A tombstone 9th century A.D. Dasanayaka, 2007; Kalus & Guillot, 2006 2 Anuradhapura-Puttalam road inscription (unknown place) ?? 9th century A.D. Dasanayaka, 2007; Kalus & Guillot, 2006 3 Fragmentary Arabic inscription , Colombo Nat…
