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Pettilkulam Buddhist Archaeological Ruins in Vakaneri (වාකනේරි පෙට්ටික්කුලම් බෞද්ධ පුරාවිද්‍යා නටබුන්)

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Pettilkulam Buddhist Archaeological Ruins in Vakaneri

The Anurādhapura-period Pettilkulam ruins in Kiran, Batticaloa, are located within the Pettilkulam forest near a Vakaneri Reservoir canal. Heavily damaged by brick manufacturing and treasure hunting, the complex features a likely destroyed stupa site, molded bricks, stone flower altars, and two buildings—one with 2-meter stone pillars and another with seven smaller pillars.

The Pettilkulam Buddhist Archaeological Ruins are situated in the village of Kulaththamadu, within the Grama Niladhari Division of Vakaneri 210, in the Divisional Secretariat Division of Korale Pattu South (Kiran) in Batticaloa District

Access Route

Travel from Oddamawadi town towards Kavaththamunei for 11 kilometers, passing through Mukargal along the way. At Kuda Munikam Junction, turn onto the Kulaththamadu Road and continue for approximately 7 kilometers (4.35 miles). From there, proceed into the forest on the right-hand side to reach this archaeological site, which is located near a canal.

Historical Background

A study of the stone, brick, and other construction materials found among the ruins confirms that the remains belong to buildings dating to the Anuradhapura period.

Location and Nature of Archaeological Evidence

These ruins are situated within the Pettilkulam forest, adjacent to the canal connected to the Vakaneri Reservoir. Human activities, particularly brick manufacturing carried out in the vicinity until a few years ago, have caused extensive damage to the archaeological remains. Layers of ancient bricks belonging to former structures are clearly visible in areas where soil was excavated for brick-making. Based on the extent of this destruction, it is likely that the location of an ancient stupa has been severely disturbed or completely destroyed.

At one section of the site, undamaged molded bricks, stone flower altars, stone slabs, and a large quantity of brickbats are scattered across the ground. Between this area and the canal are the remains of another ancient building. Several large stone pillars, approximately 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height and fashioned from roughly dressed stone, can be observed here. Two pillars remain standing in their original positions, while several broken upper sections lie at ground level alongside a number of fallen pillars. Ancient brick fragments are scattered throughout the surrounding area, and similar brick remains can also be seen within pits dug by treasure hunters.

Approximately 20 meters (65.6 feet) southwest of this structure is another building site. At this location, seven small stone pillars belonging to the original construction remain closely grouped together. Fallen pillar fragments are also present, and the site has suffered further damage as a result of unauthorized excavations.

The archaeological evidence preserved within the Pettilkulam forest indicates the existence of a substantial Anuradhapura-period complex, although much of its original form has been lost through modern human activities and illicit excavations by treasure hunters.

Geographical Coordinates

The exact location of the site is as follows:

North Latitude: 7°54’48.0″N
East Longitude: 81°25’57.3″E

References

Exploration and Documentation Division (Ed.). (2017). පුරාවිද්යා ස්ථාන හඳුනා ගැනීමේ ගවේෂණ වාර්තාව, මඩකලපුව දිස්ත්රික්කය. Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka.

Also See

Map of the Pettilkulam Buddhist Archaeological Ruins in Vakaneri

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Traveling to the Pettilkulam Buddhist Archaeological Ruins in Vakaneri

Route from Batticaloa to Pettilkulam Buddhist Archaeological Ruins in Vakaneri

Through: Kiran – Thirukkondaiadimadu
Distance: 45 km
Travel time: 1.30 hour
Driving directions : see on Google Maps

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Pettilkulam Buddhist Archaeological Ruins in Vakaneri (වාකනේරි පෙට්ටික්කුලම් බෞද්ධ පුරාවිද්‍යා නටබුන්)
The Anurādhapura-period Pettilkulam ruins in Kiran, Batticaloa lie within Pettilkulam forest. Damaged by treasure hunting and brick manufacturing, the site features a destroyed stupa, flower altars, and two buildings with 2-meter and small stone pillars, respectively. […]
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