56 
JOXJRNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VoL. XXII. 
III. SlGIRIYA. 
1, — Clearing. 
The annual clearing of scrub within the enceinte of " Sigiri 
Niiivara " was carried out. 
2. — Restoration. 
In 1908, the western half of the " Lion-staircase house " at 
the foot of the ladders leading to the summit of the Rock wa.s 
refaced strongly in stepped masonry, cement-pointed, as a 
protection against further wash from rain w^ater falling over 
the Rock. 
Ivast season the east side of the structure was similarly renewed. 
Attention was then given to the South Approach to the 
"gallery." The upper flights of steps on this Approach were 
excavated in 1895, and subsequently restored partially by adding 
continuous retaining and half walls on the off side. 
But of the lower tiers, which had been long ago washed down 
the slope of the hill, nothing remained ; and, to render the South 
Approach traversable from end to end, it was necessary to rebuild 
these. Before the last season's work at Slgiriya closed in April, 
three staircases a.nd landings were partially constructed, almost 
uniting the upper flights of steps with the broad terrace below 
from which the original staircase ascent was made. 
Simultaneously, a broad stairway of rubble stone, set in mortar, 
Avas erected from the tank bund, at the foot of tlie hill, as far as 
the terrace on which the Archaeological Survey Camp is placed. 
Another season's work should see the junction of these stone 
and brick staiis effected, by the building of one or two short 
intermediate flights of steps and the levelling of the pathway 
along intervening terraces. It will then be possible to reach the 
''gallery" and gain the top of Sigiri-gala by a succession of 
staircases the whole way from the driving road at the foot of the 
ascent to the hill. 
Siva Dewdle No. 2. 
The vestibule of this chaste Hindu shrine, which threatened to 
fall unless promptly rebuilt, was wholly dismantled, and has been 
well reset. 
The shrine walls have opened out in places, and with the dome 
need more attention than had been anticipated. These will be 
seen to next season. 
IV. — Epigraphical Work. 
Part IV. of the " Epigraphia Zeylanica " appeared early in 
1909. Mr. Wickremasinghe is believed to have Part V. in hand. 
Eye-copying and securing ink " squeezes " of the lithic records 
of the Island was steadily continued last year. The inscriptions 
of the North- Western Province are now being gradually collected. 
It has been decided by the Government that all " estampages " 
of Ceylon inscriptions are, after being photographed, to be stored 
