Mullaitivu District

Within the camp, several ancient stone pillars, believed to be part of a Bodhigara (a shrine built around a Bodhi tree), can be seen encircling a Bodhi tree. While it is noted that some of these pillars may have been brought in from another site, the original location remains unidentified. Outside the Bodhigara, a number of stone pillars partially buried under roots and soil, a korawakgala (balustrade stone), and indications of a stone staircase are visible.

This archaeological site is located at the upper end of the proposed Kivul Oya Reservoir. What currently appears as an elevated area has reached that state due to soil excavation. The center of this Image House, constructed with four stone pillars each, was dug by treasure hunters a few years ago.

According to folklore, Gurukanda Rajamaha Viharaya is believed to be a place where Princess Hemamala and Prince Dantha rested on their journey after bringing the Tooth Relic of the Buddha to Sri Lanka via Lanka Patauna during the reign of King Sirimeghavanna (303-331 CE).

Among the ancient monasteries found in the Mullaitivu District, Mannakandal Kanniyar Kovil Archaeological Site stands out as one of the largest and most architecturally significant. In a publication on Vanni by J. P. Lewis, seven temples are mentioned, and local folklore speaks of seven Vanniyan virgin chieftainesses (kanyā-pradhāni) who once ruled the Vanni region.

Sugandhipuram (Suthanthipuram) village is located in the Maritimepattu Divisional Secretariat of Mullaitivu. To reach Sugandhipuram (Suthanthipuram) Junction, one needs to travel 24.5 km along the Paranthan-Puthukkudiyiruppu road. The distance from Puthukkudiyiruppu to this junction is 10 km. From that junction, travel approximately 6 km towards Sugandhipuram Colony.

The ruins are spread across a large tract of land, though much of it has been heavily damaged by treasure hunters. At the edge of a paddy field, remnants of a structure built with stone pillars are visible. A pit, about one meter deep, has been dug at the center by treasure hunters.

At this site, one can observe the remains of a partially ruined stupa constructed with ancient bricks. The stupa is approximately 7 meters in height and has a diameter of around 15 meters. When archaeological officials first inspected the site in 2011, evidence suggested that treasure hunters had already attempted to excavate its center.

Welioya Podigalkanda, situated is between the flow of Maa Oya and the Weli Ela canal. The area is also referred to as Punchigalkanda. According to the EIA report, ruins of an ancient monastery and, about 70 meters from it, the remains of an ancient stupa mound have been recorded.

Just after crossing the bridge over the Ma Oya, the Weli Oya Maha Seya Viharaya can be seen on the right-hand side of the road. Located nearby is a moderately large rock cave with an arched opening facing northwest. The surrounding area is strewn with fragments of clay pots and bricks.

Monarawewa is a remote village located about 22 kilometers from Padaviya, in the direction of Nedunkeni, within the Mullaitivu District. The villagers, who endured three decades of hardship under LTTE terrorism, continue to live under challenging conditions even today.

Helambawewa is a village situated in the Mullaitivu District, located approximately 5 km inland from Weli Oya. It is described as a village that has been historically difficult to access. Currently, the area is undergoing development as part of a resettlement plan associated with the proposed Kivu Oya reservoir project.

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.