King Sanghatissa II came to power in 618 CE following the death of King Aggabodhi II. He was a relative of Queen Samghabhadda, the queen of Aggabodhi II, and had previously served as the palace sword-bearer. However, his reign lasted only two months.
The Sri Naga Viharayas beginnings date back to 1892, when a small group of Buddhists in Jaffna leased a quarter-acre plot of jungle near the Ariyankulam Tank from the local Sivan Kovil. They built a modest image house for worship, though no Sinhalese monks visited Jaffna during that time.
Vesak is one of the most important days for Buddhists because it marks three key moments in the life of the Buddha: his birth, his enlightenment, and his passing away. Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha, was born over 2,500 years ago in Lumbini, in what is now Nepal.
For centuries, Mirissa—a coastal town on Sri Lanka’s southern shoreline—remained a hidden gem, untouched by tourism. Life in the village centered around small-scale fishing, coconut cultivation, and basic farming, with locals leading a quiet, sea-dependent lifestyle as fishing boats lined the shore.
By 1610, the Portuguese had established a small Christian mission on the Kalpitiya peninsula with two priests, and a church was built in Kalpitiya. This church successfully converted most of the local population to Christianity, with the exception of some of the Moorcommunity.
Bambarabedda itself is a remarkable natural formation: a large vertical rock sits atop a rock slab, and on top of that, another vertical rock is balanced. When viewed from a specific angle, this striking natural arrangement appears to resemble a standing statue of the Buddha.
Helambawewa is a village situated in the Mullaitivu District, located approximately 5 km inland from Weli Oya. It is described as a village that has been historically difficult to access. Currently, the area is undergoing development as part of a resettlement plan associated with the proposed Kivu Oya reservoir project.
Deiyyanne Kanda is located adjacent to the reservoir bund. Explorations carried out regarding this rock mountain covered in forest are very rare. However, in 1969, L.A. Adithya published an important scholarly article regarding his research on Deiyyanne Kanda in the journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society.
Little Adam’s Peak, also called Mini Adam’s Peak, is a well-loved hiking spot in Ella, Sri Lanka, celebrated for its stunning panoramic views and its easy-to-follow trail. Rising to 1,141 meters above sea level, the hike is gentle enough to be enjoyed by people of all fitness levels.
Among the Rajamaha Vihara of Hanguranketha, Kitulpe Rajamaha Viharaya holds great significance due to its association with the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which was once enshrined here when the British invaded the Kandyan Kingdom, elevating the temple to a site of deep veneration.
Perched on a hilltop with sweeping 360° views of Kandy’s mountains, the Nelligala International Buddhist Centre is a serene spiritual escape. Its gleaming Buddha statues, peaceful ambiance, and breathtaking sunsets make it both a place of worship and a must-visit viewpoint in Sri Lanka.
Dewategedara Wele Ambalama is an ancient resting place located about 3.5 kilometers from Wadakada in Kurunegala, and approximately 13.5 kilometers from the Nakalagamuwa Interchange on the Central Expressway. Nestled in the middle of a scenic paddy field, the ambalama is situated between the expressway and Dewategedara Road.
Simple and sturdy, the ambalama is designed for rest and shelter rather than beauty. Three wide openings at the back and sides let in the fresh mountain air, while the front features a straightforward entrance and a half-height stone wall. The open layout ensures that even on the hottest days, the inside remains cool and breezy.
Tucked away in Sri Lanka’s historic heartland, Vilwala Rajamaha Viharaya is a beautiful relic from the Gampola Kingdom era. According to local legend, the temple was founded by Queen Henakanda Biso Bandara, the chief consort of King Vikramabahu III (1357-1374 CE). While this story adds a layer of romance to his historic site, historians suggest that the inscriptions at the temple point to reign of King Vijayabahu V (1335–1341 CE).
Although the origin of the Hanguranketha Pattini Devalaya is unknown, this devalaya has been in existence during the reign of King Rajasinghe II (1635 – 1687) who is reported have carried out renovations at this site.
The Vishnu Devalaya at Hanguranketha is one of the main devalaya’s of the Kandyan Era. It is believed that it was here that the king Rajasinhe II was cremated.
Araththana Viharaya is a sacred temple located near Hanguranketha town, and it often served as the temple for the royalty who resided in Hanguranketha. The earliest documented evidence regarding the history of this temple, situated approximately one kilometer south of Hanguranketha, is found in two of its three title deeds.
Hanguranketha, a small town in the Nuwara Eliya District, was historically known as Diyatilakepura or Diyatilaka Nuwara during the Kandyan Kingdom. It frequently served as a temporary capital for the Kingdom of Kandy. The first royal palace in Hanguranketha was built by King Senarath (1604-1635)
The 14th-century Laṅkātilaka Rājamahā Vihāraya is a majestic brick masterpiece perched atop Paṇhalgala rock. Commissioned by King Bhuvanekabāhu IV, this Gampola-era shrine blends Polonnaruwa architectural traditions with South Indian design. Its towering image house, ornate Makara Torana, and vibrant Kandyan paintings reflect the pinnacle of medieval Sri Lankan art.
Historical photographs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries depict several large statues surrounding the Ruwanweli Maha Seya stupa. Among them are standing Buddha statues and two figures believed to represent ancient kings.
