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Epigraphy and Numismatics
a. Research in to the unique records inscribed on stone, metal and the ancient coins found in various parts of the Island.
b. Collecting and cataloguing of rubbings of inscriptions.
c. Conduct research concerning inscriptions and numismatics and prepare reports for annual publications.
d. Take necessary measure to protect the inscriptions all over the country.
   
Epigraphy
      Scientific documentation, correct decipherment and interpretation are the major functions in epigraphical research. The research conducted on these inscribed records is being published in journals viz; Epigraphia Zeylanica, Inscriptions of Ceylon, Epigraphical Notes and Silalipi Sangrahaya.

      Up to now Brahmi, Sinhala, Tamil, Portuguese, Dutch and Arabic inscriptions amounting to about 3500 have been discovered and copied. The earliest records counting down from 3rd century B.C. were Brahmi in character and had gradually evolved into the Sinhala characters (pdf).

      These inscriptions have been discovered under the drip ledges of caves, rocks, pillars and slabs. Inscribed gold, silver and copper plates have been discovered as well. Information about the existence of inscriptions is given by the local public and at times they are being discovered by the explorations done by the Archaeological Department. Inked paper impressions from the inscriptions are used for epigraphical research. The reproductions secured should be of a high standard to get satisfactory readings of inscriptions. This is done at great risk, for most of the inscriptions lie in thick jungle where there is danger to life. Inked impressions of the inscriptions are made with a special paper but these perish with time and have to be recopied.

      Digitising the inked reproductions of the newly discovered epigraphs and transferring the images into publications are now being done by a simple process.

      On the decipherment of these inscriptions, historical, linguistic and palaeographical conclusions would be arrived at. Palaeographically, the inscriptions of Sri Lanka can be divided into the following periods.

  Early Brahmi – 3rd century B.C. – 1st century A.D.
Later Brahmi – 2nd century B.C. – 4th century A.D.
Transitional Brahmi – 5th century A.D. – 7th century A.D.
Medieval Sinhala – 8th century A.D. – 13th century A.D.
Modern Sinhala – 14th century A.D. and after 		  
     Linguistically these inscriptions can be divided into following periods.  
     
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