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As you travel on the Ampara road from Moaragala through Siyambalanduwa just before Govinda Hela Rocks (Westminister Abbey), close to the 6th mile post there is a road to the right which goes through the remote Newgala village. Here lies a rather unknown rock bed called Newgala next to a small water reservoir where an outline of a Lion is engraved.
The name Newgala translates to ‘Ship Rock’, a rather unusual name for a rock so far away from any sea. Folklore states that this mystic rock hides gold weighing a ship underneath and thus the name name ‘Newgala’ has been given to this rock and later to the village.
The engraving itself is about 3 feet long and 1.5 feet tall.
From the 6th mile post on the Siyambalanduwa – Wadinagala road also called ‘Kanda Uda Panguwa’, you need to take the Kongaspitiya road to the right. From the village of Newgala take the by-road near the school and you need to travel a few kilometres on this road to reach the location. It’s best to get directions from a villager to this rock.
Little away from Newgala lies the ruins of an ancient Pattini Devale. According to ‘Souvenirs of a Forgotten Heritage’ by Mr Gamini Punchihewa this has been a fully functional devale at one time. Now only a few rocks are pilled together and two “yanthra gal (also called Nidan gal since the cavities of the rock were filled with various valuables and kept under statues) can be seen at this location. More ruins are said to be found at the nearby hills surrounding this place.
Also See
Map of Newgala Lion Engraved Rock
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Travel Directions to Newgala Lion Engraved Rock
| Route from Siyambalanduwa Junction to Newgala Lion Engraved Rock |
| Through : Distance : 15 km Travel time : 30 minutes Driving directions : see on google map |
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