Kebithigollewa Sinhaya Ulpotha – කැබිතිගොල්ලෑව සිංහයා උල්පත

Springs are classified as natural, thermal and mineral, according to the chemical composition of its waters. Some of these natural springs are large in size which is referred to as “Bubula” in rural areas. They are mainly distributed in areas underlying the quartzitic rock in the Dry Zone and maintain water flow throughout the year (Perennial). The small sized natural springs are referred to as “Ulpotha” and most of them maintain a steady flow of water during the wet season and reduce water flow during the dry season.

According to folklore,  the Rajarata has been rich with 672 natural water springs in the ancient times where most of the reservoirs built by the kings have been constructed to make use of these springs. Kunchuttu Mountain range  in Kebithigollawa area has been identified as the origination of number of fresh water springs in the area.

In addition to the cluster of springs in Kunchuttu, Sinhaya Ulpotha, Gonamariyawa Ulpotha, Weramediyawa Ulpotha, Kalawedi Ulpotha, Garilla Ulpotha, Dunukeya Ulpotha, Kurulu Ulpotha, Welimuwa Pothana Ulpotha, Nuwarahinna Ulpotha, Halmillawetiya are some of the springs in  Kebithigollawa area which is fed by underground water streams originating from this mountain range.

The Sinhaya Ulpotha is one of the better known freshwater springs in the region which also has a historical value. This spring has been used by the people around Kebithigollewa for thousands of years. Until the start of the Tamil Terrorists activities in the 1980’s there has been a lions face carved in stone and the water has been flowing through the mouth of the lion. The mouth has been caved similar to a crocodiles mouth. Unfortunately with the LTTE Terrorists attacking Sinhalese villagers in Kebithigollewa, the villagers had to evacuate the land which they had occupied for thousands of years. The spring was deserted thereafter and treasure hunters had broken the granite mouth of the ancient sculpture in search of treasures during this period.

With the introduction of glyphosate (a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide and crop desiccant)  to Sri Lanka for  agriculture from 1980’s the North Central Province is today gripped with  Chronic Kidney Disease. Residues of heavy metals such as cadmium, arsenic, lead and mercury are now present in virtually all wells, reservoirs, soil in this region making consumption of water from these sources life threatening.

But the water from the above springs originating from the Kunchuttu Mountain range has been found to be free of any poisonous substance and suitable for consumption. Therefore these springs has become one of the few sources of clean water for poor villagers in the surrounding villagers.

In 2016, the destroyed outlet of the historic Sinhaya Ulpotha was reconstructed with a tank to store the water. This spring was reportedly outputting 45,000-50,000 liters per day. Although dried up now, in the older times the water from Sinhaya Ulpotha and Gonamariyawa Ulpotha had flowed in a single stream over the Gonamariyawa Rajamaha Viharaya and has been collected in a tank.

To reach the spring take the Vavuniya road from Kebithigollewa for 2 km and take the road which lead to Halmillawetiya.  Travel past the historic Kalagam Vehera Ruins, Halmillawetiya and Kanugahawewa. The spring lies in the forest passing the Kanugahawewa village.

It is said that there are ruins of an ancient temple in the jungle close to this water sprout.

Alternate names : Sinhaya Ulpatha

Also See

• Attractions of Sri Lanka
• Heritage of Sri Lanka
• Waterfalls of Sri Lanka
• Nature and Wildlife of Sri Lanka
• Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity

• නිධානයක ලකුණු කියන සිංහයා උල්පත

Map of Kebithigollewa Sinhaya Ulpotha

Traveling directions to Kebithigollewa Sinhaya Ulpotha

Travel directions from Kebithigollewa to Sinhaya Ulpotha

Distance : 18 km Travel time : 30 hour Time to spend : 30 mins Driving directions : see on google map