Padavi Sripura Kirigarunda Pilimaya Archaeological Site

RATE THIS LOCATION : 1 Star

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

Padavisripura Kirigarunda Pilimaya Archaeological Site

According to the Pujavaliya, the Padaviya Wewa ancient reservoir was constructed by King Saddhatissa between 137 and 119 BCE. However, this traditional attribution has been debated by modern scholars. Henry Parker, a British civil engineer and historian, proposed that the tank was actually built in the late 3rd century CE, during the reign of King Mahasen (276–303 CE). His reasoning is based on the argument that Sri Lanka’s irrigation technology during the pre-Christian era may not have been advanced enough to construct a tank of such vast scale. The renowned surveyor and historian R.L. Brohier also supports this hypothesis.

In contrast, Dr. S. Paranavitana, a leading Sri Lankan historian, theorized that Padaviya Wewa could be the Danavapi Wewa mentioned in the Culavamsa, which was built in the 6th century CE by King Moggallana II (535–555 CE). Despite these theories, no definitive inscriptions or written records confirming the tank’s origin have been discovered in the area. Modern information plaques near the tank and surrounding ruins, however, credit its construction to the era of King Mahasen.

Repopulation of Padaviya

According to the 1931 census, the Nuwarakalawiya region—which includes Padaviya, Nuwara Wewa, and Kalawewa—had a sparse population, with only 21 people per square mile. This changed during the mid-1950s with a major revitalization effort. The restoration of the Padaviya Wewa and the establishment of the Padaviya, Padavi Parakramapura, and Padavi Sripura colonization schemes played a key role in repopulating and developing the area.

The region then thrived on paddy cultivation, grain farming, and cattle rearing until around 1982, when development was disrupted by the escalation of terrorist activities in the North and East. However, following the end of the civil conflict in 2009, Padaviya has witnessed a steady population growth and a renewed sense of hope and development.

Hidden Ruins near Olugama Wewa

About 13 kilometers north of Padaviya, in Padavi Sripura, lies another site of important archaeological value—the area surrounding Olugama Wewa. This site contains ruins dating back to the Anuradhapura Kingdom, though it remains largely overlooked and under-researched.

The ancient remnants are located amidst expansive paddy fields, with only a small area of visible ruins. Among the remaining features are several stone pillars believed to have belonged to an ancient building. A fragment of a marble statue, partially buried in a termite mound, is still visible. There are also a weathered muragala (guard stone) and a korawakgala (balustrade stone), suggesting the presence of a religious or royal structure.

Whether approached from Anuradhapura or Trincomalee, this site is reachable within approximately two hours by road.

References

Ādithiya, L. A. (1969). Archaeological Remains at Deiyyanne-kanda, Padaviya. The Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland, New Series, Vol. 13, 64–82. https://www.jstor.org/stable/43483466?seq=1
Storey, H. (2000). A Ceylon Sportsman’s Diary: An Account of the Author’s Shooting Experiences from 1909 to 1920 Inclusive. Asian Educational Services. (Original work published 1921)

Also See

Map of Padavi Sripura Kirigarunda Pilimaya Archaeological Site

Click on the button below to load the Dynamic Google Map

Show Location on Google Maps

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

Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.

Traveling Directions to Padavi Sripura Kirigarunda Pilimaya Archaeological Site

From Anuradhapura to Padavi Sripura Kirigarunda Pilimaya Archaeological Site

Via: Medawachchiya – Kebithigollewa – Padaviya
Total Distance: 102 km
Time to Travel: 2 hours
Time to Spend: Approximately 15-30 minutes
Driving Directions: See on Google Maps