Maha Andaragollewa Wewa Archaeological Ruins

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Maha Andaragollewa Wewa is an ancient and now-ruined reservoir situated near the eastern boundary of Wilpattu National Park. On a rock outcrop at the reservoir’s bund, an archaeological site was discovered, featuring remnants such as a foundation stone, a square-shaped stone block, and scattered brick fragments. Two natural rocky pools can also be seen on the same outcrop. Today, the tank is heavily overgrown with aquatic vegetation, and traces of recent but now-abandoned human activities can be observed a short distance to the north. (IUCN Sri Lanka, 2006)

Local oral history, particularly from Mr. Mudalihamy, a 70-year-old resident of Hunuwilagama, suggests that a large monastery known as “Araliyagala” once existed a few kilometers west of the tank. According to him, the site contained stone pillars, Buddha statues, and inscriptions. However, despite efforts, a field team was unable to locate the remains of this monastery (IUCN Sri Lanka, 2006).

This site—referred to as “Andaragolagala“—was first documented by H.W. Codrington and later listed by C.W. Nicholas in 1959. A rock inscription found at the site has been attributed to King Dhatopathissa II (659–667 CE) and was later deciphered and published by Senarath Paranavitana in 1961.

According to Mr. Mudalihamy (70 years old) of Hunuwilagama, there was a large monastery complex called “Araliyagala” a few kilometers west of the tank. It contained pillars and statues of Buddha as well as inscriptions. However, a field team was unable to locate the site. (IUCN Sri Lanka, 2006)

This site (called Andaragolagala) was first published by Nicholas in 1959. Nicholas reported a rock inscription by King Dhatopathissa II (659-667 CE). This inscription was read and published by Paranavitana (1961).

As Wilpattu National Park enforces strict regulations prohibiting visitors from leaving their vehicles, special permission is required to access and explore this archaeological site on foot.

Andaragolagala Rock Inscription

Text:

සිදම් [*] දළ-ඔපතිස-මපුරුමුක-ව-
-ස[දෙ]වනයහි ගි[රි]වෙල-ච-
-ද-පුත දසි-පහ චිදවි [*]

Translation:

In the second of the years of His Majesty Dala-Opatisa, Girivela Chada freed [his] son from slavery

(Paranavitana, 1961)

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

IUCN Sri Lanka. (2006). Resource Inventory of Wilpattu National Park: Final Report. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) Sri Lanka.
Nicholas, C. W. (1963). Historical Topography of Ancient and Medieval Ceylon. Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, New Series, Volume IV (Special Number).
Paranavitana, S. (1961). Rock Inscriptions at Timbirivava and Andaragollava in the Vilpattu Sanctuary. University of Ceylon Review, XIX(2), 95–104.

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Travel Directions to Maha Andaragollewa Wewa Archaeological Ruins in Wilpattu (up to Wilpattu National Park Entrance)

Route from Colombo to Maha Andaragollewa Wewa Archaeological Ruins (up to Wilpattu National Park Entrance)

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Distance :190 km
Travel time : 4 hours.
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Maha Andaragollewa Wewa Archaeological Ruins in Wilpattu (විල්පත්තුවේ මහ අන්දරගොල්ලෑව වැව පුරාවිද්‍යා නටබුන්)

Andaragolagala Rock Inscription

Significant Archaeological Sites Inside the Wilpattu National Park

References

Also See

Map of Maha Andaragollewa Wewa Archaeological Ruins in Wilpattu

Travel Directions to Maha Andaragollewa Wewa Archaeological Ruins in Wilpattu (up to Wilpattu National Park Entrance)

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Andaragolagala Rock Inscription

Significant Archaeological Sites Inside the Wilpattu National Park

References

Also See

Map of Maha Andaragollewa Wewa Archaeological Ruins in Wilpattu

Travel Directions to Maha Andaragollewa Wewa Archaeological Ruins in Wilpattu (up to Wilpattu National Park Entrance)

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