World War I Memorial in Matale (මාතලේ පළවන ලෝක සංග්‍රාමයේ යුද්ධ ස්මාරකය)

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As a member of the British Empire, Sri Lanka, known then as Ceylon, played its part in both World Wars. British nationals stationed on the island served in various capacities, including as state servants, in the estate sector, and in companies dedicated to military service. Following the conclusion of the First World War, several monuments were erected in Sri Lanka to honour the returning heroes and commemorate those who sacrificed their lives in service to these regions. The primary war memorial in Sri Lanka was initially located at Galle Face and was known as the Victory Tower. However, it was later relocated to a site adjacent to Vihara Maha Devi Park in Colombo.

In Matale, there is a granite obelisk similar to the World War I obelisk memorials in Galle and Avissawella. However, there is no inscription found on this memorial. The brass place which was fixed to this memorial was removed by vandals long ago.

Some contend that this memorial is dedicated to Gogalegoda Banda, the leader of the 1848 Matale Rebellion, who was executed by the British. However, given its resemblance to the Galle and Kelani Valley Avissawella War Memorials, as well as its proximity to the old government buildings, it can be concluded that this obelisk is a World War Memorial. Despite being constructed from grey granite, it has been painted over, diminishing its historical significance.

Note that the marker on the Google Map below shows only an approximate area of this monument in Matale, and not the exact location.

References

Perera, K.N. (2023) ‘ War Memorials In Sri Lanka – Boer War (1899 -1902), First World War (1914 – 1918) And Second World War (1939 – 1945)’. Colombo: Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association.

Also See

Map of World War I Memorial in Matale

Please click on the button below to load the Dynamic Google Map (ගූගල් සිතියම් පහලින්)

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The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites

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Travel Directions to the World War I Memorial in Matale

Directions from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Matale

Via: Kaduwela – Puwakpitiya
Distance: 47 kilometers
Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Driving Directions: see on Google map

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References

Also See

Map of World War I Memorial in Matale

Travel Directions to the World War I Memorial in Matale

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