Heritage

Ruins of the Ancient Rock Platform at Mangalawewa Reservoir in Seruwawila

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සේරුවිල මංගල වැව ඉපැරණි අංගනය ණටබුන් - Ruins of the ancient rock platform in Mangalawewa Reservoir — Ruins of the ancient rock platform in Mangalawewa Reservoir
චායාරූපය : පුරාවිද්‍යා වාර්තාවකින්

Mangala Wewa is an ancient, medium-sized tank located in the area accessible from the Palathopura-Seruwawila road. To find it, you need to go behind the Seruwawila Rajamaha Viharaya, cross over a small tank bund, and continue towards the Sumedhankara Forest Monastery. After passing the holiday resort belonging to the State Engineering Corporation and crossing a stream or canal, follow the path that runs to the left until you reach the tank.

The exact period when Mangala Wewa was built is unknown, as there is no historical evidence available. Towards the upper area of the tank, there are about five distinct rock outcrops. One particular rock features a series of approximately 12 steps carved directly into the stone, seemingly designed for descending into the water. Although no building structures are currently visible on the surface of this rock slab, it is speculated that any past constructions might have fallen from the rock over time and are now buried in the silt at its base. Based on the presence of the carved steps and the nature of the feature, it is highly likely that this rock outcrop was utilized as a platform for religious or royal activities in ancient times.

Reports indicate that a similar site or feature has also been discovered at the tank located near the Divulwewa Rajamaha Viharaya in Trincomalee.

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Travel Directions to the Ruins of the Ancient Rock Platform at Mangalawewa Reservoir in Seruwawila

From Trincomalee to Ruins of the Ancient Rock Platform at Mangalawewa Reservoir in Seruwawila

Via: Muttur – Seruwawila
Total distance: 54 km
Travel time: 1.30 hours
Time to spend: Approximately 15-30 minutes
Driving directions: See on Google Maps

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