Miyankulama Manmalai Buddhist Archaeological Ruins

Spanning 110 m × 100 m on a rocky hill, this Early Anuradhapura-period Buddhist monastery contains ruins of a stupa, pillars, circular structures, terrace walls, and a pond. Severe damage by treasure hunters has scattered artifacts, including a Siripatula, Sandakadapahana, and Chattragala fragments.

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The Manmalai Archaeological Ruins are located in Miyankulama village, within the Grāma Niladhāri Division of Perillaveli (209), in the Divisional Secretariat Division of Kōralai Pattu South (Kiran).

Access Route

From Kiran Junction, travel along Kulavadi Road, located to the left of Pulipanchakal Junction, to Anjanakatte (5th Post) Junction, and continue to Kudumbimalai Junction. Near the Miyankulam Army Memorial, turn left onto Miyankulam Road and proceed for approximately 1.5 km to reach the Pillaiyar Kovil. From there, continue for about 300 meters, then travel approximately 1.5 km along the road passing through the teak forest. After crossing a stream, walk approximately 1.5 km into the jungle to reach the site.

Historical Background

Based on the structural characteristics of the ruined monuments and the scattered archaeological artifacts, the site provides evidence of a Buddhist monastery dating to the Early Anuradhapura period.

Location and Nature of Archaeological Evidence

This archaeological complex covers an area of approximately 110 m × 100 m, situated in a forested region featuring rock outcrops, high boulders, and hills. At the top of the rock, there is evidence of a small mound of ruins containing stone pillars and pillar fragments. Bricks, tile pieces, and pottery sherds—likely remaining after the monument was vandalized by treasure hunters—are abundant. Similar brick and tile fragments are scattered across various parts of this rock surface. On a lower section of the rock, there is the foundation of a circular structure built using irregularly arranged stone fragments. On another rock surface slightly lower than this, a stupa was constructed, which has also been destroyed.

The Stupa Area and Associated Structures

The bricks and soil layers that once filled the interior of the stupa dome have been dug out and thrown outside. To the west of the stupa are fragments of a broken Siripatula (sacred footprint) stone, as well as a location identifiable as an entrance doorway to the stupa. At distances of approximately 20 m, 50 m, and 70 m south of the stupa, several locations contain foundation stones and fragments of a broken Chattragala (umbrella stone). Near the stupa to the east lies a building site where stone pillars, foundation stones, bricks, and fragments of a broken Sandakadapahana (moonstone) can be observed.

Structural Ruins and Retaining Walls

To the west of the stupa is a building site featuring 2 stone pillars still in their original positions, along with 8 broken pillars. Excavations by treasure hunters have destroyed this monument as well. To the northwest of this building, two locations with terrace retaining walls (malaka) were discovered. A short distance away to the southeast, evidence of two more building sites and a pond can be found.

Archaeological Context and Identification

Over time, this monument complex fell into ruin and lay hidden in the jungle; recent destructive acts by treasure hunters have severely altered its original context. Numerous artifacts shifted from their original positions can be identified throughout the site. Based on these findings, the complex is identified as the ruins of an important Buddhist monastic complex constructed during the Early Anuradhapura period.

Geographical Coordinates

The exact location of the site is as follows:

North Latitude: 7°47’52.0″N
East Longitude: 81°24’22.2″E

References

Exploration and Documentation Division (Ed.). (2017). පුරාවිද්යා ස්ථාන හඳුනා ගැනීමේ ගවේෂණ වාර්තාව, මඩකලපුව දිස්ත්රික්කය. Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka, pp. 335-336

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