Ambamalthalawa is a small agricultural village off Inginiyagala. Although almost all the villages and towns in this area are settlements developed along with the Senanayake Samudraya scheme, the whole of Ampara District was once a part of the Digamadulla Sub Kingdom which had been flourishing since 4th century BC reaching its peak in 2nd century BC under the rule of prince Saddhatissa (brother of king Dutugemunu).
Ambamalthalawa Archaeological Ruins lies about 450 meters north to the ruins on the catchment area of the Alioluwa Archaeological Site in the middle of a paddy field. The ruins consist of a rocky plain with steps cut in to the rock leading to the top. Any ruins of buildings on this rock is long lost.
This rock plain was declared as a protected archaeological site by the Government with the Gazette issued on 26th December 2014, and describes the location as follows ;
“Rock plane with plight of steps in the paddy field belonging to Colony No. B 07 situated in Grama Niladhari Division No. W/86/H, Ambamalthalawa in the Divisional Secretary’s Division, Ampara in Ampara District in Eastern Province. (Latitude 07º15´ 06.8´´ N and longitude 81º34´ 15.5´´ E).”
GPS location is marked based on the above description. However it is recommended to get more information and directions before attempting to visit the place. It is very unlikely that you would get any assistance in locating this site from the predominately non buddhist villagers who would rather prefer to see such sites disappear.
Also See
Map of Ambamalthalawa Archaeological Ruins I
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
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Travel Directions to Ambamalthalawa Archaeological Ruins I
Route from Polwatta Junction to Ambamalthalawa Archaeological Ruins I |
Through : Alioluwa Reservior Distance : 7 km Travel time :20 min Time to spend : 15-30 mins Driving directions : see on google map |