The 1817/18 Uva-Wellassa Rebellion was Sri Lanka’s first major freedom struggle against British rule. Led by the valiant Keppetipola Dissawa, the revolt nearly ousted the colonizers despite brutal scorched-earth tactics. Ultimately betrayed, Keppetipola was executed in Kandy, where a memorial now enshrines his skull.
The Ambalama at Kamburadeniya is a new structure built in 2021. However this is different from the more recent Ambalama’s which were more utilitarian structures compared to works of art in the past. This is a replica of a traditional Sri Lankan timber Ambalama design popular during the Kandyan Era. It was designed by renowned architects to showcase the ancient architectural designs.
he Ambalama at Guralawela is situated amidst a scenic paddy field. In close proximity, at a distance of 50 meters, there lies an ancient Uraketa well. These wells are characterized by a sturdy outer casing made from the trunk of a sizable tree such as Kumbuk, Milla, or Jackfruit. This casing serves the purpose of preventing sand from entering the well.
Kaivadanthenna Ambalama is a large Ambalama made out of brick and mortar. Front of this structure is a cement wall about 2 feet high. The remaining three side walls of the structure are high. Current structure has no seating inside. However seating is a permanent feature of all ambalama and the seats could have been removed during a renovation.
Karapila Ella Waterfall is an unexplored medium sized waterfall hidden in the village of Pallekanda in Ududumbara. The waterfall is approx 20 meters in height and best seen during the rainy season.
Wathurakumbura Ambalapitiya Ambalama had been built on a frame of wooden beams measuring about 6×6 feet. About six years ago, this Ambalama collapsed. Based to the photo above, it seems that the pillars had fallen on to the wooden frame. A text “Shaka Badam Ruthi Satya” (“ශාකා බදම් රුති සත්ය”) is carved on a log of the upper beam.
The Daskara Galkona Ambalama, which is not so large, is about 10 feet long and wide. Ambalama is built on a small platform. On top of that, using square stone blocks, the walls are built to a height suitable for seating and 4 pillars are made of the same stone. Stone slabs are placed on top of the walls for seats.
Sagama inscription made on the 9th year of king Buwanekabahu V (1372-1408) is the first attestation of what was to become deity Natha’s intimate relationship to Sinhala up-country rule. By this time, Bhuvanekabahu V had succeeded Vikramabahu III at Gampola,
Gonawatta inscription is found at the temple near the Gonawatta Ferry where villagers crossed Mahaweli River is believed to belong to 2nd century BC. The ancient name of the place is Wisaltota, and the Wisal Nuwara has on the Dumbara side of Mahaweli River.
The historic Suduhumpola Rajamaha Viharaya temple has been built under the patronage of king Keerthi Sri Ranasinghe [1747 – 1781] in 1771 to accommodate the Buddhist monks who came outside of Kandy to participate in Upasampada Vinaya Karma and to facilitate worshiping of the sacred tooth relic of Buddha.
Kahatapitiya is an orthodox Muslim Mosque with a separate shrine for the Sufi saint, Bawa Khauf. This shrine has been frequented by both Sinhalese and Muslims for generations in a now rare harmony.
Kumburegama Welamada Ambalama in Galagedara is located in Kumburegama village in the Galagedara Divisional Secretariat. Travel along the road from Arambekade – Harankahava Bokkawala to the Kumburegama intersection and after traveling about 1 km on the road to the right of the Kumburegama intersection, you will find Ambalama.
At this location in Eladatta, you find the second memorial plaque of Robert Knox. Robert Knox bought the land of Eladatta using his own money and built a house. He lived here from 1670-79, until he managed to escape to Arippu in Mannar
Maha Loku Meni Devalaya is a small rural shrine dedicated to the benevolent goddess Maha Loku Meni, revered as the elder sister of Saman of Sri Pada. Surrounded by forest, the site features an ancient Bo tree and stone pillars, reflecting its long-standing spiritual and cultural significance.
Nugapitya Ambalama lies next to a picturesque paddy field in the village of Nugapitiya lying between Kandy and Matale. It is a square brick and mortar building with its roof resting on four pillars. A short wall travels around the Ambalama.
Teldeniya Ambalama had been built on stone pillars with handsomely carved timber beams in a picturesque location in Teldeniya. Since 1985 this area has been submerged under Victoria Reservoir
Haloluwa Katarangala Rajamaha Viharaya has been used by meditating monks from the Anuradhapura era but the temple has been built by king Kirthi Sri Rajasingha (1747 – 1781)
Thalawa Rajamaha Viharaya is a small but picturesque ancient temple hidden on a walled plateau above a stream in the Patha Hewaheta in Kandy District.
The history of Diyakelinawala Kithsiri Mewan Rajamaha Viharaya is believed to go as far back to the king Kithsiri Mevan (303-311 CE) of Anuradhapura kingdom. The temple is built underneath a natural cave shelter extended by a verandah with a wooden roof which rests on the rock.
Sellawali Rajamaha Viharaya also known as Wela Meda Pansala is considered a well preserved gallery of Kandyan Era art. The temple lies in the village of Haloluwa in Kulugammanasiya pattu.
