Pitiye Deviyo is a powerful protector deity of Dumbara who had once defeated the deity Natha Deviyo who had fled in fear of him after a brief battle. The people of Dumbara fear and respect him as he is believed to protect the land, the crops, and the people who live in the area. He provides the rain on time for cultivation and dry weather for harvesting.
The title of Adhigar (Adigar) in the Kandyan Kingdom of Sri Lanka referred to a high-ranking official or noble who held significant administrative and judicial authority. In Sinhala, he is called the Adhikaram. The position was one of the most powerful in the Kandyan court, second only to the king himself. Adhigars were entrusted with overseeing various aspects of governance, including implementing laws, administering justice, and managing royal affairs.
Diyawadana Nilame’ has the custody of the key to the first casket out of the seven golden caskets where the Sacred Tooth Relic is enshrined, as he is the lay custodian of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This position is recorded in the ‘Dathuwansa’, the chronicle of tooth relic, as ‘Dhathurakkadikari’.
The image house of Wendaruwa Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya is a rectangular Kandyan-style building with a verandah supported by 16 evenly spaced wooden pillars. The pillars are carved with alternating square and cylindrical sections, though these sections are plain and lack any decorative design. The pillars rest on a wooden frame constructed with large wooden beams placed atop the half-height outer wall of the image house.
Wathupola Ambalama is a small ambalama built in a symmetrical square shape on slightly elevated ground. Made of stone and brick, the walls of this ambalama are constructed to a height of about two feet to serve as seats. The back wall is a few inches higher than the side walls. This variation in height is a common feature in ambalamas from this period.
The Udunuwara Pitawala (Pallepitawala) Ambalama structure consists of four large wooden beams, each with mortises cut at the corners, forming a frame. Positioned horizontally, another four large wooden beams with tenons support a secondary wooden frame, which holds the roof in place.
The Boer War Ceylon Contingent Memorial depicts a trooper of the Ceylon Mounted Infantry giving the signal “enemy in sight”. It is currently located inside the Army Barack on Brownrigg Street, Kandy.
When travelling from Haguranketha towards Rikillagaskada, approximately 1½ km along the way, you’ll encounter the Madanwala Ambalama situated on the right side of the road. This Ambalama features four main stone pillars supporting the roof, with 5-foot-high stone walls built on three sides. Inscriptions within the Ambalama record that it was constructed in 1901 by Abhayasinghe Appuhami, the Secretary of Sagaruwanketa.
The Udunuwara Wattappola Ambalama is constructed using granite blocks. It undergoes annual repairs, carried out by the descendants of the individual who originally built it. Currently, cement-treated lime has been applied over the black stone surfaces.
To construct Wegiriya Ambalama beams crafted from jackfruit wood are positioned atop four large square stone pillars, serving as the frame for the roof. The roof is then supported by these beams. Notably, one of the stones in the structure stands approximately ten feet tall. The rafters of the roof are intricately joined together using a wooden Madol Kurupawa, adorned with a carved lotus flower for decorative embellishment.
Many are familiar with the renowned Godamunna Ambalama adorned with intricate wood carvings. However, located approximately 500 meters away lies another Ambalama lesser-known to many. Dubbed Godamunna Gal Ambalama, this structure is crafted from stone. Positioned atop a cliff near a picturesque waterfall, it is also referred to as Godamunna Ella Oya Ambalama.
Yatiwawala is located in the Galagedara area of the Harispattuwa Divisional Secretariat in the Kandy District. To find the Ambalama, one must walk along Polwatte Mawatha, situated in front of the Yatiwawala Cemetery, for approximately 350 meters. The Ambalama can be found in front of a paddy field along this route.
The Wahugapitiya Ambalama, once a beautifully crafted structure, now stands in a state of disrepair. Its roof is covered with galvanized roofing sheets, and the surrounding jungle encroaches upon its perimeter. Given its deteriorating condition, restoration efforts are imperative to preserve this historic building for future generations.
The Wattappola Dharmashalawa’s exquisitely carved pillar heads, featuring downward-facing four lotus flowers with stalks on each side of the stone pillars, stand as a testament to the remarkable skills of the wood craftsmen of the Kandian era. These intricately crafted pillar heads not only showcase the craftsmanship of the time but also provide valuable insights into the artistic and cultural heritage of the period.
Sivurupitiya Tampita Viharaya is one of the smallest of its kind. It is built on 4 short pillars. Connected to it from the front lies a large preaching hall further dwarfing the Tampita Viharaya. The preaching hall is built with a two-layered roof and based on the architectural features, the building can be dated to the late 18th century.
According to folklore, the Asupini Ella Falls (Ahupini Ella Falls) derives its name from a desperate suicide attempt, where a mounted monarch leapt from its upper reaches.
Allakolla Estate Sumaithangi Stone lies inside the Alakola Estate in Kosgama Gramasewaka Division of Panvila Divisional Secretariat of Kandy District. The structure lies right next to the road thus difficult to miss. The horizontal stone has fallen off and lies on the ground.
Near the Kandy Lake between the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the Queens Hotel, lies a 4 sided stone pillar, probably the last milestone of the Colombo-Kandy road. In clean carved letters, one side states “72 MILES From COLOMBO”. On the opposite side, it displays “ROUND LAKE 2 MILES 46 FEET 1680 FEET ABOVE MEAN SEA LEVEL”.
The lush forest cover of Udawatta Kele Sanctuary behind Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy has a long history dating back to many centuries. It was declared Tahansikele or forbidden forest by the Sinhala kings who ascended the throne when Kandy became the capital city.
Ambuluwawa peak situated in the center of Gampola Kingdom established by the great Sinhala King Buvanekabahu IV. (1341-1357 AD) . Modern development of Ambuluwawa has converted it to a multi religious center.
