Prehistory

Koraveli Ancient Rock Quarry in Kiran (කිරාන් කෝරාවේලි පුරාණ ගල් බිඳුම් ස්ථානයේ නටබුන්)

The ancient rock quarry in Koraveli, Batticaloa, spans a rock formation showing centuries of stone extraction near the Maduru Oya. The southwestern section displays Anurādhapura-period quarrying, while the northeastern side features drill-holed rock slabs from the Polonnaruwa period. A rock-cut pillar foundation stone sits 250 meters north.

The Ancient Rock Quarry is located in the village of Koraveli, within the Grāma Niladhāri Division of Koraveli (209 B), in the Divisional Secretariat Division of Kōrale Pattu South (Kiran), in the Batticaloa District.

Access Route

From Eravur, turn left at the Santhiveli Piḷḷaiyār Kovil and travel approximately 800 meters (0.5 miles) towards a natural waterbody. Cross the waterbody using the Santhiveli–Kiran ferry service, which is capable of transporting vehicles. From the ferry landing, continue for approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) to reach the bridge over the Maduru Oya at Pulipanjakal. Turn left immediately before the bridge towards Toppigala, and after travelling approximately 600 meters (1,969 ft), the rocky area on the left can be seen. This area was quarried over many centuries for stone pillars and other building materials.

Alternatively, the ferry crossing may be avoided by traveling to Kiran and taking the Thoppigala Road. Proceed for approximately 600 meters (1,969 ft) after crossing the bridge over the Maduru Oya at Pulipanjakal to reach the site.

Historical Background

Devagirimalei Rock preserves archaeological evidence belonging to both the prehistoric and historic periods. The historic remains found at the site most likely date to the Anuradhapura period.

Location and Nature of Archaeological Evidence

The rock formation containing the archaeological remains extends in an east–west direction. Quarrying activity visible in the southwestern section of the rock is characteristic of the Anuradhapura period. In contrast, the quarrying traces found on the northeastern side include rock slabs bearing drill holes, a feature associated with the Polonnaruwa period.

Approximately 250 meters (820 ft) north of this location, a rock-cut pillar foundation stone can be seen close to the Maduru Oya, providing further evidence of ancient construction activity in the area.

Geographical Coordinates

The exact location of the site is as follows:

North Latitude: 7°51’38.6″N
East Longitude: 81°30’05.4″E

References

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

Also See

Map of the Koraveli Ancient Rock Quarry in Kiran

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Traveling to the Koraveli Ancient Rock Quarry in Kiran

Route from Batticaloa to Koraveli Ancient Rock Quarry in Kiran

Through: Chenkaladi
Distance: 38 km
Travel time: 1 hour
Driving directions: see on Google Maps

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Koraveli Ancient Rock Quarry in Kiran (කිරාන් කෝරාවේලි පුරාණ ගල් බිඳුම් ස්ථානයේ නටබුන්)
The ancient rock quarry in Koraveli, Batticaloa, spans a rock formation showing centuries of stone extraction near the Maduru Oya. The southwestern section displays Anurādhapura-period quarrying, while the northeastern side features drill-holed rock slabs from the Polonnaruwa period. A rock-cut pillar foundation stone sits 250 meters north. […]
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Pasikudah and Kalkudah Beaches (පාසිකුඩා හා කල්කුඩා වෙරළ තීරු)
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