Prominent among the mansions in Balapitiya are the Brahmanawatta Walawwa, where Senpathi Don Cosmo Wijesekara, the leader who led the massacre of the Portuguese at Randeniwela in Uva, was born, and the Maha Kappina Walawwa, where nobles descending from the Brahmins who arrived at Sri Lanka in the 11th century lived.
The Survey Tower at Chilaw has stood on the beach, exposed to the sea breeze, for possibly a century or more. It is built on a square platform and consists of three cylindrical towers stacked one on top of another. Similar cylindrical survey towers can be found in Kudarappu and Analaitivu in the Jaffna Peninsula, Negombo (though it has been destroyed), Katunayake, and Mannar.
Pothuhera Arambepola Ambalama is a square brick and mortar structure situated in the Handugala Grama Sewaka division within the Polgahawela District Secretariat of the Kurunegala District. The walls of the Ambalama are half-height and feature a built-in ledge around the perimeter for seating. The roof is supported by four wooden beams, which rest on four brick and mortar pillars.
The Borella Kanatte Cemetery is the main cemetery of Colombo. It covers 48 acres and is operated by the Colombo Municipal Council. The cemetery was established in 1866 by the British colonial rulers of that time. It has separate sections for Hindus, Buddhists, Shintos, Roman Catholics, Anglicans and non-denominational Christians.
Jawatta Liveramentu Public Cemetery lies on an old church built by the Portuguese. At one corner of the cemetery, lies the area dedicated to Commonwealth War Graves. The entrance to the cemetery features Memorial Tablets honouring over 300 men who died while serving in Sri Lanka.
Ruins of an ancient well built in the 17th century at the Portuguese church Nossa Senhora do Livramento, The Catholics believed that the water contained miraculous healing powers and was widely used by the faithful.
Built in the 3rd century BCE, Sangilikanadara Wewa belongs to the list of oldest reservoirs in Sri Lanka. Located in the valley of Sangilikanadara Oya, in the Medawachchiya DS division of Anuradhapura District, this reservoir has been built for the storage of water for irrigation purposes of the region.
Sri Lanka, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” is renowned for its rich biodiversity and lush landscapes. Among the natural attractions this island nation offers are its botanical gardens, which serve as centres for preserving a wide variety of plant species.
The Henarathgoda Botanical Gardens in Gampaha is the historic birthplace of South Asia’s rubber industry. Established in 1876 to nurture Amazonian seedlings from Kew Gardens, this 43-acre sanctuary successfully pioneered rubber cultivation for the region. Today, it remains a serene national monument featuring vibrant floral sections and record-breaking tropical trees.
Liyangastota Amuna (which was called Liyangahatota Amuna during British times) is an Anicut built by the British across the Walawe Ganga River lying close to the Barawakumbuka Interchange which leads to Nonangama on the Southern Expressway. The amuna was built in 1889 by the British.
“Birds of Prey” refers to various bird species that hunt and feed on other animals. These birds are also known as raptors and are characterized by keen eyesight, strong talons, and hooked beaks, which help them catch and consume their prey.
Among the antiquities found at the site are a moonstone, the Siri Pathul gala (scared footprint of Buddha), a large stone flower alter, a guard stone and a stone slab with Ashtamangala markings, which appear to have been brought from outside the site in addition to the stone pillars. Therefore according to the Archaeology Department, it is difficult to conclude what existed in this place in the ancient past.
According to folklore, Uva Paranagama Ambagasdowa Thotupala Arawa Ambalama was constructed during the Kandyan Kingdom era to provide rest for travellers on the Kandy-Mahiyanganaya road. Near a beautiful paddy field, this ambalama stands on a raised platform made of stones. Four stone pillars are erected on this platform to support the roof.
Wathupola Ambalama is a small ambalama built in a symmetrical square shape on slightly elevated ground. Made of stone and brick, the walls of this ambalama are constructed to a height of about two feet to serve as seats. The back wall is a few inches higher than the side walls. This variation in height is a common feature in ambalamas from this period.
The pillar measures 4½ feet (1.4 meters) tall and 8½ inches (21.6 cm) square. Mr. H. C. P. Bell, then Archaeological Commissioner, examined it in 1895. The writing covers all four sides, with twenty-one lines on each, including the two top lines that are missing.
The Udunuwara Pitawala (Pallepitawala) Ambalama structure consists of four large wooden beams, each with mortises cut at the corners, forming a frame. Positioned horizontally, another four large wooden beams with tenons support a secondary wooden frame, which holds the roof in place.
The Aluth Halmillawa Shailabimbarama Rajamaha Vihara is located approximately 5 kilometres northeast of the Padaviya Reservoir. Today, it is a somewhat modernized temple, but it is evident that it was constructed on the site of an ancient monastery. Nearby, the ruins of an ancient image house can be seen.
Travelling from Mawanella to Aranayake, and then 2½ kilometres from the Aranayake junction via Horewala to Salawa by road, you will find the Arama Rajamaha Viharaya on slightly elevated ground next to the Maha Oya (Ma Oya). Between the mountains on the right, you can see the Asupini Ella Falls.
Baddegama Ambalam is situated near Ging Ganga in Baddegama town. From Baddegama town, turn onto Nagoda Road and travel about 100 meters. The road curves around a lake-like channel and then merges with the old Hikkaduwa road, which runs parallel to Ging Ganga. Baddegama Ambalam is located at this junction, nestled among several small shops.
The ruins of two buildings can be found at the Adampane Andagala Archaeological Site, Both the remains are well-preserved and maintained by the Department of Archaeology. Made of brick, the main building is the first structure you encounter upon entering the area. The main building is possibly a Bodhighara or a Image house and the smaller one is a Bodhighara.
