Heritage

Buddhist Monastic Ruins at Ammaltherodinawatta Forest (අම්මාල්තේරෝඩිනවට්ට කැලය තුළ බෞද්ධ ආරාමික නටබුන්)

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Buddhist Monastic Ruins at Ammaltherodinawatta Forest

The Buddhist monastic ruins located within the Ammaltherodinawatta Forest in Madurankeni, situated in the Panichchankeni 211-C Grama Niladhari Division of Korale Patthu North (Vakare), represent the remains of an early Buddhist religious complex dating to the early Anuradhapura period. The site with archaeological evidence of a former monastic complex lies deep within a forested landscape associated with the Willu wetland.

Access Route

From Vakare, travel along the Batticaloa Road (A15) up to the 52 km (32 miles) post near the Naval Headquarters. Opposite the Naval Headquarters, take the Maduramankulam Road and continue toward the reservoir. Beyond this point, there is no clearly defined access road. From the reservoir, proceed northward along the reservoir embankment and continue beside the electrified elephant fence for approximately 4 km (2.49 miles). Thereafter, walk an additional 500 m (0.3 miles) in to the forest to reach the site.

Historical Background

All monuments and displaced antiquities identified at this location are attributed to the early Anuradhapura period.

Location and Nature of Archaeological Evidence

The Ammaltherodinawatta Forest, also known locally as the Uruwaththadi Forest, lies within the Willu wetland region at the southern end of the Panichchankeni lagoon and is intersected by a network of small streams. Archaeological investigations within this forest have revealed the remains of a Buddhist sacred complex consisting of a stupa, a pond, and several ruined structures.

The stupa has been completely destroyed, with its central section heavily excavated by treasure hunters. Bricks, soil, and associated artifacts from within the structure were found displaced and scattered around the site. Among the debris are stone slabs that once formed part of the inner relic chamber.

Very close to the stupa are traces of another destroyed structure, which may have functioned either as an associated building or as an entrance gateway to the stupa complex. Archaeological materials are also scattered throughout this area.

Approximately 30 m (98.4 feet) north of the stupa are the ruins of a large building constructed using stone pillars. Mortise holes visible on these pillars indicate the presence of a multi-storied structure. Two rough-surfaced stone pillars measuring approximately 2.5 m (8.2 feet) in height remain standing at this location. Around 20 m (65.6 feet) further north, circular brick remains have also been identified.

It has additionally been reported that two Siripatula, sacred footprint stones originally belonging to this ruined complex, are presently kept at two Hindu Kovils in Madurankenikulam village.

The overall distribution of monuments and archaeological remains demonstrates that this location once functioned as an important Buddhist sacred site during the early Anuradhapura period.

Evidence of Ancient Settlement Activity

In the forested region near the Kalapuwa lagoon and Villu wetland zones, approximately 1.5 km (1 mile) north of the ruined monastic site, a high concentration of pottery fragments and habitation remains has been identified. Among these are abundant black-and-red ware ceramics, clearly indicating that this region supported human settlement during the early Anuradhapura period.

Geographical Coordinates

The exact location of the site is as follows:

North Latitude: 8°04’46.3″ N
East Longitude: 81°24′48.5″E

References

Exploration and Documentation Division (Ed.). (2017). පුරාවිද්යා ස්ථාන හඳුනා ගැනීමේ ගවේෂණ වාර්තාව, මඩකලපුව දිස්ත්රික්කය. Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka.

Also See

Traveling Directions to Buddhist Monastic Ruins at Ammaltherodinawatta Forest

Route from Trincomalee to Buddhist Monastic Ruins at Ammaltherodinawatta Forest

Through: Kinniya – Mutur – Serunuwara
Distance: 90 km
Travel time: 1.40 hours
Driving directions : see on Google Maps

Map of the Buddhist Monastic Ruins at Ammaltherodinawatta Forest

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