The Ruwanwella Ambalama lies in the center of the crowded, traffic – congested Ruwanwella town close to the ancient fort. This is said to be the largest ambalama found in the county. The roof of ambalama is held on 16 pillars of wood, placed in a 4×4 plan. Each pillar has been carved at the bottom, center and the top with various floral designs. The roof is tiled with ancient flat clay tiles. Each of the massive pillar carries a decorated pillar head with 4 flowers caved on 4 sides. At the far end is a room with two windows on either side. This would have been used to securely store goods carried out by the traveler.
Ruwanwella was a bustling commercial center in the era British invaded Kandyan kingdom. The port at Ruwanwella was one of the main entry points to Kandyan kingdom for travelers from west. Therefore this building would have been a rest place for the travelers to and from Kandy as well as merchants.
A plaque at the center of a inner wall states that his AMBALAM was erected by her friends in the memory of LILY HARRIET DAVIDSON wife of the assistance governor of the district 1892 – 1896 who died in South Africa in 1901 as a tribute her.
This Ambalama had been covered using brick walls and used for various government functions. It was last used as an ayurvedic medicine sales outlet for the local government. But recently the walls have been demolished and the work is being done to bring the Ambalama to its original way.
Also See
Map of Ruwanwella Ambalama
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Travel Directions to Ruwanwella Ambalama
Route from Colombo to Ruwanwella Ambalama | Route 2 from Colombo to Ruwanwella Ambalama |
Through : Kelaniya – Nittambuwa – Urapola Distance : 70 km Travel time : 2.5 hours. Driving directions : see on google map | Through : Kaduwela – Weliveriya – Kirindiwela – Urapola Distance : 72 km Travel time : 2.5 hours. Driving directions : see on google map |