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About 3 kilometers before reaching Serunuwara and Somapura along the Kantale–Serunuwara Road, there’s an overgrown path on the left that leads approximately 4 kilometers into the forest. Here lies Sunethra Wewa, an ancient reservoir recognized as an archaeological monument. To the northeast of the reservoir is an area scattered with a large number of rocks. You can also reach this site via the Serunuwara–Dehiwatta road by turning south near Lingapuram, using a jeep track. Today, the Tamil community refers to this reservoir as Kalkulama or Kalkulam Reservoir.
On a nearby rocky plateau lies the ruins of an ancient temple. Several rock inscriptions have been discovered here, which, based on their scripts, date back to the 4th, 8th, and 9th centuries CE. Additionally, based on the architectural style of the remaining stone structures, some constructions may date back to the early Anuradhapura period (pre-Christian era).
Two notable rock inscriptions have been identified at the site. One of them is carved into a rock surface measuring approximately 3.6 by 1.5 meters and contains 14 lines of script. The second inscription, though partially buried, also contains visible lines of text. The script used in the first inscription dates to the 4th century CE and refers to a place called “Girimahalaka Vihara.” According to the inscriptions, King Dutugemunu is believed to have constructed the original monastery at this site. Another inscription, written in 9th-century Brahmi script, mentions a stupa named “Udigala Dagaba.”
Near the main rock where the inscriptions are found, there is a lower area adjacent to the reservoir with another rocky outcrop. Scattered remains of stone structures are visible here as well. The top of this rock may have once supported a building or a stupa.
Also See
Map of Somanuwara Sirimangalapura Sunethra Wewa Archaeology Site
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Travel Directions to Somanuwara Sirimangalapura Sunethra Wewa Archaeology Site
| From Trincomalee to Somanuwara Sirimangalapura Sunethra Wewa Archaeology Site |
| Via: Kinniya – Muttur Total distance: 50 km Travel Time: 1.15 hours Time to spend: Approximately 15-30 minutes Driving directions: See on Google Maps |
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