Heritage

Helamulla Pansalgoda Ruins at Siyambalanduwa (හෙලමුල්ල පන්සල්ගොඩ බෞද්ධ නටබුන්)

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The huge pit dug by treasure hunters at the top of the stupa at Pansalgoda in Siyambalanduwa

Pansalgoda is an unprotected archaeological site concealed within dense jungle near Degal Hela Mountain in the Siyambalanduwa area. The ruins lie about 3 kilometers from the Helamulla Degalhela Viharaya. Reaching the site usually requires the assistance of a local guide familiar with the terrain, as the route passes through chena cultivations and rough four-wheel-drive tracks.

Archaeological Remains

At the center of the site stands a ruined stupa now almost completely engulfed by jungle vegetation, appearing little more than an earthen mound. Although the Archaeological Department has not formally recognized the importance of the site, treasure hunters have. A large pit has been dug from the summit of the stupa nearly to its base, apparently in search of relics once housed in the Dhātu Garbhaya (relic chamber).

Traces of the stone wall that once enclosed the Weli Maluwa (sand courtyard) can still be seen in several places. The remains of stone steps leading into the courtyard, along with fragments of Korawak Gal (balustrades), also survive.

Structural Remains

Scattered across the area are numerous stone pillars that once supported various monastic buildings. Among the ruins are fragments believed to belong to an image house, along with broken guard stones and balustrades.

One of the most intriguing artifacts found at the site is a Gal Paththaraya (ගල් පාත්තරය , stone basin). Though smaller in size, it closely resembles the well-known example found at Rajagala Archaeological Site on Ampara, suggesting that the site may once have been part of a significant monastic complex.

the road running over some stone pillars at Pansalgoda in Siyambalanduwa

The ancient stupa in Pansalgoda in Siyambalanduwa covered in jungle but not hidden to treasure hunters

The ancient stupa in Pansalgoda in Siyambalanduwa covered in jungle but note the red bricks

Ruins scattered around Pansalgoda in Siyambalanduwa

Steps with Korawak Gal to enter the weli maluwa at Pansalgoda in Siyambalanduwa

Ancient bricks scattered around Pansalgoda in Siyambalanduwa

An unfinished korawakgala at Pansalgoda in Siyambalanduwa

More damage by treasure hunters at Pansalgoda in Siyambalanduwa

site information and photos : curtsey of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Also See

Map of Helamulla Pansalgoda Ruins

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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 Helamulla Pansalgoda Ruins at Siyambalanduwa

Route from Siyambalanduwa Junction to Helamulla Pansalgoda Ruins at Siyambalanduwa

Through : Ampara Road
Distance : 11 km
Travel time : 40 minutes
Driving directions : see on google map

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