Mapa Maligawa (Palace of Viceroy) of Anuradhapura

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Mapa Maligawa / Palace of Viceroy of Anuradhapura Kingdom

Sandwiched between the Basawakkulama Wewa Reservoir and the Bulankulama Wewa Reservoir lie the ruins of an ancient building, hidden within a shrub jungle. The site, now conserved by the Department of Archaeology, is marked by a signboard along Basawakkulama Road, though most visitors tend to overlook it.

According to the official information board, the structure reflects the architectural style of the Anuradhapura period. Folklore identifies it as the palace of a king’s viceroy, though its true purpose remains uncertain. The layout suggests, however, that it may not have functioned as a palace. Conservation work on the building was carried out in 1951.

Scholarly Interpretations

Professor Anuradha Seneviratna attributes the site to the second half of the Anuradhapura period, specifically the 10th century, and proposes that it may have been the residence of a mapa—a provincial leader, noble, or prince (Seneviratna, 1994).

Professor Senake Bandaranayake presents another interpretation, describing the site as a rare Sri Lankan example of a Chaushala (also known as Catuśśāla or Courtyard Monastery). Its design resembles the classic Indian Sangharama, with four ranges of interconnected cells arranged around an open courtyard, square or rectangular in shape. At the center stands a small image house, which confirms its monastic character (Bandaranayake, 1990).

Visiting the Site

To reach the Mapa Maligawa from Ruwanweli Seya, travel along Basawakkulama Road that skirts the reservoir. After 1.3 km, look out for a Department of Archaeology signboard pointing to a disused gravel road. Follow this path for 175 meters through a forested area, and you will arrive at the ruins of this fascinating and little-visited structure.

References

Seneviratna, A., 1994. Ancient Anuradhapura. 1st ed. Colombo: Archaeological Survey Department, Sri Lanka., p 114
Bandaranayake, S. (1990) ‘Architecture Of The Anuradhapura Period 543 B.C. – 800 A.D.’, in Archaeological Department Centenary (1890 – 1990) Commemorative Series -Volume Three – Architecture. Colombo, Sri Lanka: Department of Archaeology, p. 24.

Also See

Anuradhapura – The city of the God Kings
Solosmasthana – The Sixteen Buddhist Sacred Sites Hallowed by Buddha
Atamasthana – The Eight Sacred Sites in Anuradhapura

Map of Mapa Maligawa / Palace of Viceroy of Anuradhapura Kingdom

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Traveling Directions to Anuradhapura

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Bus

Anuradhapura can be conveniently reached by bus, train, or private transport. Both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses operate from the Colombo Fort Main Bus Station. In addition, luxury buses departing from various locations in Colombo travel via Anuradhapura to Vavuniya and Jaffna; these require advance online booking and generally operate overnight, arriving at their final destinations early in the morning.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Train

Five daily trains operate from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Anuradhapura. Typically, the first train departs at 9.40 a.m. and the last at 8.30 p.m. The journey takes approximately four to five hours, depending on the number of stops made by the particular service.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Car or Van

Anuradhapura can be accessed from Colombo via several routes, with the two primary corridors running through Puttalam and Kurunegala. The Puttalam route passes the scenic Wilpattu area. From Kurunegala, there are two main approaches: the more commonly used route via Dambulla and an alternative route via Galgamuwa. Among all options, the Kurunegala–Dambulla route (Route 2) is the most frequently used.

Route 01 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route 02 from Colombo to Anuradhapura
Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.
Route 03 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route from Kandy to Anuradhapura
Through : Katunayake Expressway – Narammala – Wariyapola – Padeniya – Thambuthegama Distance from Colombo: 203 km Travel Time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Katugastota – Matale – Dambulla Distance from Colombo: 136 km Travel Time: 3.5 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps