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Meepe village is a beautiful, still undeveloped village in the Habaraduwa Divisional Secretariat of Galle. Folklore says that this area was named Meepe because of the abundance of Mee trees in the area in ancient times.
Meepe Ambalama, built in the middle of a scenic paddy field, has a history spanning over 200 years. There is no doubt that this Ambalama provided shelter to travelers who traveled to the Galle area in ancient times and to devotees who came to the nearby ancient Sri Piyadassi Viharaya.
By around 2016, this Ambalama was completely dilapidated. All that remained were some of the pillars supporting the roof and short sections of the walls. The roof had completely collapsed, and large trees had grown on the Ambalama building.
This dying Meepe Ambalama was restored and conserved by the Department of Archeology in 2016. This Ambalama is square and the roof is supported by four pillars. It is covered with Sinhala tiles and all the rafters are connected to the madol kurupawa (a type of roof joint) at the center. The madol kurupawa is connected to the main cross rafter to increase its strength.
To visit this Ambalama, first, come to the Habaraduwa Meepe junction. This junction, located on the Pilana – Ginigala road, is a three-way junction without even a small shop. From this junction, turn onto the Pilana – Ginigala road and travel about 750 meters along the Isipiritala Road, and you will see the Mipe Ambalama in the middle of a scenic paddy field.
image source : Rivira Online
It is reported that a 200-year-old stupa was found on a hill near the Meepe Ambalama in 2013. This hilly area had been covered with forest for 50 years, and this monastery had been abandoned.
According to the findings, this monastery was built by a devotee named Jayasundara, who lived in Pilana. This monastery built about 200 years ago, was known as the Keselkaduwa Viharaya at that time. The reason why this monastery fell into disrepair and became overgrown is a mystery.
About 200 stone steps have been used to reach this Keselkaduwa Viharaya, built on the top of the hill. When this monastery was discovered, many of these stone steps had been removed, and only a few remained. Except for the stupa on the top of the hill, all the buildings had been completely destroyed over time. This stupa was also targeted by treasure hunters.
Also See
- List of Ambalama’s in Sri Lanka
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of Habaraduwa Meepe Welamada Ambalama
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Travel Directions to Habaraduwa Meepe Welamada Ambalama
| From Galle to Habaraduwa Meepe Welamada Ambalama |
| Via: Unawatuna – Heenatigala Total distance: 11 km Duration: 25 minutes Time to spend: Approximately 15-30 minutes Driving directions: See on Google Maps |
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