Belilena Cave, near Kitulgala, is one of Sri Lanka’s most important prehistoric archaeological sites, providing rare insight into early human life on the island. Scientific excavations conducted by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka between 1978 and 1983 revealed rich cultural, faunal, and human remains dating from approximately 30,000 to 9,000 years before present. Discoveries include bone tools, evidence of controlled fire use, and remarkably early geometric microlithic stone tools, placing Belilena among South Asia’s oldest known prehistoric sites. Animal remains show that its occupants, known as Balangoda Man, hunted deer, wild boar, monkeys, and reptiles, while also relying on plants, snails, and aquatic resources. Evidence of a salt trade network with coastal communities existed as early as 30,000 years ago. Human skeletal remains dated to 16,000 years ago have been crucial for anthropological research. Today, Belilena is protected as an Archaeological Reserve under Sri Lanka’s Antiquities Ordinance.