Sept 19, Nuwara Eliya: Sri Lanka Department of Archaeology has commenced studies on an ancient tunnel recently discovered in the central hill country.

The entrance to the tunnel was discovered accidentally as the earth was being removed using earth moving machinery for a construction.

The tunnel is situated near Bearwell Estate in the Lindula police area of Talawakelle in Nuwara Eliya district.

Nuwara Eliya District Secretary D.P.G. Kumarasiri has visited the site. The tunnel is 10 feet tall and expands to three sides from the middle according to the official.

The area has been declared as a restricted entry area and the studies have been started.

There are several archaeological protected sites in the Nuwara Eliya district. According to legend, the devil King Ravana has fought the forces of Indian king Rama in the Ramboda area of the district.