In Mundumurippu lies the ruins of forgotten archaeological site of the pre-Christian era hidden in the jungle with a stupa, a pond, massive pillars of a building and other artefacts of a Buddhist Monastery in Mullaitivu District. However, there are no records of these ruins being explored thereafter, so it is unclear whether the ruins still exist or have been destroyed.
“Pansal Kanda” dates back to the 2nd century BCE, when Buddhism flourished in Sri Lanka. This era is notable for establishing many significant Buddhist monuments across the island. This site is located atop a beautiful hill at the edge of the last Sinhalese settlement in Janakapura, on the main road running from Anuradhapura to Mullaitivu through the Welioya region.
The remains at Archaeological Site near Mutiyankattuwa Wewa in Oddusuddan site include a dilapidated stupa, a shrine room, and the ruins of three buildings with stone pillars. According to the Department of Archaeology, this monastery complex dates back to the Anuradhapura period.
These ruins can be seen in the Oddusuddan Divisional Secretariat, near the Mutiyankattuwa Wewa Reservoir, connected to a rocky plateau. At the southern end of the plateau, there are remnants of a structure, with ancient bricks scattered on and around it. Near the road, on the left side, there are parts of stone pillars and a partially buried moonstone with its top portion visible. Below this rock, running east to west for about 50 meters is a stone embankment.
Ruins of a building from the Anuradhapura era were discovered at tje Keridamadu Archaeological Site in Mulativu. The site features sculpted torsos of life-sized Buddha and Avalokiteshvara statues carved from limestone. A large circular stone flower pedestal found at this site has been moved to a Hindu kovil ground at the Mannakandal junction.
Among the antiquities found at the site are a moonstone, the Siri Pathul gala (scared footprint of Buddha), a large stone flower alter, a guard stone and a stone slab with Ashtamangala markings, which appear to have been brought from outside the site in addition to the stone pillars. Therefore according to the Archaeology Department, it is difficult to conclude what existed in this place in the ancient past.
Nestled amidst serene surroundings, the Puthukkudiyiruppu Victory Monument stands as a silent witness to one of the most significant chapters in Sri Lanka’s history – the liberation of the civilians of the North and East parts of the country from the clutches of the ruthless terrorists of the LTTE after a brutal war that plagued the island nation for over three decades.
Hidden within the forest along the Wediwettukallu and Welioya road lies a significant ancient Amuna (Anicut), spanning across a tributary of Kikul Oya. This Amuna stands approximately 1.5 meters high from the ground level, stretching 40 meters in length and 8 meters in width. Evidence suggests that it may have served as a bridge at some point, as brick construction is observed atop the stone blocks.
The current Sri Udumbararama Rajamaha Vihara stands on this archaeological site. Despite the loss of numerous artefacts due to the construction of new buildings and human activities in the vicinity, two mounds with stone pillars and remnants of a dagoba mound still endure as significant features on the site.
Situated to the east of the Nikawewa reservoir embankment, this temple is a modest yet rich repository of ancient artefacts. The present temple has seen recent additions, including a new bodhi tree and a small dwelling house. Additionally, construction is underway for a Buddha Image House at the site.
A stupa, now in a state of decay, once stood on a foundation composed of stone fragments. The extent of damage inflicted by treasure hunters is considerable, with a substantial pit dug, surpassing even the foundation level. The bricks recovered from the site indicate that the stupa dates back to around the 8th century.
The environmental impact assessment report carried out under the proposed Kivul Oya Reservoir Project has identified more than fifty archaeological sites in Mullaitivu District that may be affected by this project. Meanwhile, it mentions several archaeological sites in the Nikawewa area.
The ancient Kiriibban Wewa Reservoir can be found 5 km from Welioya on the Mullaitivu road. The rock known as Kumbakarna Gala (Tamil: Kumbakarnamalai ) is located in front of the lake at a distance of about 500 meters from Kiriibban Reservoir.
The current sluice gate of the reservoir can be seen on the northern side of the embankment. Nearby you can see a large group of stone slabs that can be assumed to have been arranged in a certain way. They have tongues and grooves for fitting the slabs together. Therefore, it can be concluded that the old sluice of the Kurundankulama Reservoir was also located at this place.
Uthurupawwa Archaeological Site lies on the slopes of the Madankanda rocky mountain. It consists of number of natural caves with dripledges carved to stop rain water dripping in to the cave and some of these caves record in stone the donations of individual caves made by the laymen to the Sangha in the ancient past.
Mr. J.P. Lewis reports this place in Kuruwilkulam was formerly known as Kuravil Kovil and that he saw a circular stone on a brick structure here. Among these ruins, remains of a fairly large stupa is found on the left side of the road. The brick construction in Lewis’ account may be this stupa mound. The stone enclosure on it may be the Dagabe Chathra. Unfortunately, this Chathra stone has now disappeared.
From the shape of the pin holes made in the stone slabs used to make this Amuna, it is clear that this has been built during the Anuradhapura era. One river bank of the two of the embankment has been systematically prepared using gravel and stone blocks, and the second bank has been prepared using natural rock and embankments has been placed only in the necessary places.
Vannadi Amuna (Wannadi Amuna) is one such ancient weir located inside a thick jungle in the Muhudubada Pattu Divisional Secretariat Division in the Mullaitivu District. Based on the blocks of stones and the chisel marks on them, it has been determined that this anicut belongs to the Anuradhapura era.
According to Mahavamsa, the Kurundi Viharaya (Kurundumale, Kurundavashoka) has been built by king Kallatanaga (109-104 BC) and records various donations by king Aggabodhi I (575-608) and king Vijayabahu I (1070-1110). According to the archaeological report of of 1505, the largest rock inscription in the country was found here.
Kokkilai Lagoon is partly surrounded by mangrove swamps and sea grass beds. The surrounding area includes cultivated land, scrub and open forests. Numerous varieties of water and wader birds are found in the sanctuary including cormorants, ducks, egrets, flamingoes, herons, ibis, pelicans and storks.
