The mines were discovered during the reign of the Dutch and later developed by the British in 1920. Over 5,000 tons of graphite is mined annually. Most of it is sent to Japan, UK and Europe. At this movement, no tickets are necessary to tour the mines but prior notice is essential. Mine officials prefer if visitors come only during the morning hours.

Beli Lena cave at Kithulgala was excavated and researched between the years 1978-1983 by the Sri Lankan archaeological department. The cultural deposits at the site after 25 radiometric tests were determined to be from 30,000 – 9000 years before the present day. A diverse range of cultural, faunal and human remains were excavated. Amongst the things discovered were some geometric microlithic stone tools which at 30,000 years are among the oldest found in the world, to date. There are also some bone tools and evidence of fire being used from 30,000 years ago