Galbendi Neeravia Archaeological Ruins in Wilpattu

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Galbendi Neeravia Archaeological Ruins in Wilpattu

Galbendi Neeravia, nestled deep within the wilderness of Wilpattu National Park, is a site steeped in folklore and ancient royal legend. According to popular legend, this serene location was one of the cities established by Prince Saliya and Asokamala, his consort of low caste.

Prince Saliya, the son of King Dutugemunu (161–137 BCE), was disinherited from the royal succession for marrying Asokamala, the daughter of a Chandala chief—a caste that was marginalized and despised at the time. Rather than abandoning their union, Saliya chose love over the throne. He left the palace and is said to have settled in the region west of Anuradhapura, an area now encompassed by the Wilpattu National Park. According to local legend, the ancient buried cities of Wirandagoda and Galbendi Neeravia are closely tied to the life of this couple (Brohier, 1935).

Galbendi Neeravia lies northeast of the Maradanmaduwa Reservoir, deep within dense jungle. Spanning approximately ten acres, the site is marked by neatly arranged granite foundations—each measuring eight feet square—clustered in symmetrical groups of five. At the heart of the area stands the foundation of what appears to have been a more elaborate structure. However, according to local legend, this was the site where the palace of Prince Saliya stood millennia ago. (Brohier, 1979/1982, p. 81).

Though no major archaeological excavations have been undertaken, the landscape is scattered with stone slabs, foundation blocks, and other remnants of ancient structures. These suggest the area may once have served as a monastic complex.

A vital feature of the site is a perennial water source—likely a natural pond or spring—that would have been essential for sustaining life in such a remote and forested environment.

Today, Galbendi Neeravia remains a hidden and mysterious location. Because it lies within a protected wildlife sanctuary, access is restricted. Visiting the site requires prior special approval from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and all visitors must be accompanied by authorized guides or officials.

Significant Archaeological Sites Inside the Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park, while celebrated for its wildlife, remains one of the least archaeologically explored regions in Sri Lanka. Historical interest has largely focused on a few ancient inscriptions and proto-historic sites, leaving much of its rich heritage still shrouded in mystery. Yet, the park and its surroundings are steeped in folklore, early legends, and connections to foundational episodes of Sri Lanka’s past.

One of the most significant legends linked to the park is that of Tammanna Nuwara, widely believed to be the landing site of Prince Vijaya, the first recorded king of Sri Lanka. Around 500 BCE, Vijaya and his 700 followers are said to have disembarked near Kudiremalai Point, close to the mouth of the Moderagam Ara. According to tradition, they first rested their hands on the soil, which left their palms stained red. This tale finds geological support in the stretch of reddish latosols—iron-rich soils—running parallel to Sri Lanka’s western coastal belt. These soils are part of ancient marine terraces, dating back millions of years to when the landmass emerged from beneath the sea.

Local folklore also links Wilpattu to the Yaksha Princess Kuveni, whom Vijaya married upon his arrival. The ruins of Kuveni’s mythical palace are said to lie at Kali Vila, while traces of her presence are believed to linger around the Kokmote Bungalow.

Another important cultural site is Galbendi Neeravia, located northeast of Maradanmaduwa Tank. It is traditionally believed to have been the dwelling of Prince Saliya, son of King Dutugemunu, and his beloved Asokamala, a woman of a lower caste. Their story, dating back around 2,000 years, is remembered as a tale of love and social defiance.

Some of the sites inside Wilpattu National Park with significant archaeological evidence are listed below;

Galbendi Neeravia Ruins : ruins of buildings spread over 10 acres
Galge Viharaya Archaeological Ruins : Caves with brick walls, granite ruins
Hunuvila Gama Ruins : Stupas, shrine house
Kimbula Ketu Gala Ruins : numerous fragments of bricks, roof tiles, and dressed stone blocks—likely remnants of a long-lost monastery
Maha Andaragollewa Wewa Archaeological Ruins : foundation stone, a square-shaped stone block, and scattered brick fragments
Nai Pena Guhava Ruins : Two caves and a Stupa, a pond
Ochchappu Kallu Archaeological Ruins : Caves, Stupa, Image houses, and Inscriptions
Palace of Kuweni Archaeological Ruins : Ruin pillars, Stupa
Pomparippu ancient Burial Site
Tammannawala Archaeological Ruins : Ruins of Stupa, Pillars, Foundation stones, Bricks, and Pond
Veli Vehera Archaeological Site
Weeransole Archaeological Ruins : Three Buddha statues, three image houses

References

Brohier, R. L. (1982). Discovering Ceylon (2nd ed.). Lake House Investments Ltd. (Original work published 1979)
Brohier, R. L. (1935). Ancient Irrigation Works in Ceylon : Northern and Northwestern Sections of the Island: Part II. Government Publications Bureau (Ceylon).
Samaraweera, C. S. (1970). Wilpattu in History and Legend. Loris : A Journal of Ceylon Wild Life Protection Society of Ceylon, XII(2), 73–75.
Sudbury, E. R. (1926). Annual Report of the Archaeological Survay of Ceylon for 1924-25. H Ross Cottle, Government Printer.

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