The Laboratories of the Central Cultural Fund is mainly divided into two sections, Research and Chemical Conservation. The Chemical Conservation section is comprised of several regional laboratories and mini labs situated at the relevant sites. These laboratories are responsible for the conservation of archaeologically significant mural paintings, monuments, artifacts and buildings. The Scientific Research work related to archeological issues/problems are carried out by the Research Laboratory located in Colombo . In addition to scientific research, this laboratory provides the technical & scientific consultancy for the regional conservation laboratories.

• Chemistry: ancient plasters, metal, glazes used on ceramic tiles and pottery, have been identified and analyzed.




• Microbiology: Studies have been carried out on skeletal material, the identification of destructive micro-organisms (as well as insects) found on the surface of paintings and the growing of flora and fauna found within the materials upon which the murals were painted.
  
  

• Geology: Textural studies of ancient bricks, potteries and plasters, identification of gems and semi- precious stones and cross sectional studies of the composition of materials used in ancient dams and moats, studies on deterioration of archaeological monuments, artifacts ( Stone. Metal..etc), Geo- physical prospecting of archaeological sites, Paleontological studies
  
  

• Civil Engineering : Monitoring air movements and lighting in the Dambulla, testing of ancient and modern bricks, analysis of ancient building materials and structures and Structural studies of ancient stupas.
  
  

• Maritime Archaeological unit: The Maritime Archaeological unit established in Galle , carries out the excavations in underwater archaeological sites and conservation of marine artifacts.
  
  

• Thermoluminescence dating unit : This technique has proven an important means of verifying assumed historical dates of materials and structures. It has also permitted dating of newly discovered monuments and sites. The main dating activities are dating of pottery, bricks and other fired materials and sediments. This unit also undertakes the collection of samples for C-14 dating.
  
  

• Mural Paintings : Recording, cleaning and consolidation with some retouching of many damaged painting have been carried out in the Cultural Triangle. Examples include the Nagavimana Temple . The Sacred Temple of the Tooth and Gangaramaya Temple in Kandy and the mural paintings and painted statues of the Dambulla Caves . Some are in such a bad state of repair that they would be at risk if treated by the technicians. For this reason the consultants are requested to advise on procedures and demonstrate the techniques to be followed in order to safeguard such endangered paintings.
  
  

• Artifact Conservation : Artifact conservation concentrated mainly on metals, lime plasters, bones, Ivory, textiles and marine archaeological objects such as ropes and wooden objects.
  
  

• Photo Archival Unit : The objective of this project is to collect document & preserve photographic material in the possession of the CCF. The CCF has in its possession over 500,000 photographic materials.