Ganegama Aramunapola Rajamaha Viharaya which is also commonly referred to as Ganegama Rankoth Viharaya lies 2.5 kilometers before the Pelmadulla Town in center of a paddy field. The history of the temple goes as far as king Devanampiyatissa (250-210 BC)…

Ramakele Stupa at Sigiriya is thought to be constructed in the 5th century by king Kashapa I (477-495 AD) or Mugalan I (495-512 AD).

By Hiranthi FernandoSri Lanka is blessed with such a variety of archaeological sites of historical and cultural importance that the visitor is often spoilt for choice. While the grandeur of the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa is difficult to…

Overshadowed by the glamour of the Sigiriya rock fortress, the equally ancient Pidurangala cave temple is neglected by the authorities as well as visitors Sigiri Pidurangala Raja Maha Viharaya is just a short distance from the Sigiriya Rock fortress. Although…

There are several old monasteries at Pidurangala, Enderagala, Ramkele, Manikdena, and Kaludiyapokuna, which were not only important as religious foci; but also as major centres of socio-political and economic origination. A mile North of the Sigiriya Citadel is Pidurangala which…

A visit to Sigiriya is an adventure that takes one back in history, art and culture. Apart from melodrama, romance, intrigue and the grandiose life that surrounds the rock fortification of Kassapa, the tales of its rediscovery in the 19th century are as captivating.

Sri Lanka’s topless Sigiri fresco women, sublime and etched on rock walls between 477 to 495 A.D. are as elusive in identity to historian as the name and personality of Mona Liza, painted by Leonardo da Vinci.

Sri Lanka’s topless Sigiri fresco women, sublime and etched on rock walls between 477 to 495 A.D. are as elusive in identity to historian as the name and personality of Mona Liza, painted by Leonardo da Vinci. In like mode,…

IT rises like a brown leviathan ploughing through the green sea of a Sri Lankan forest. Geologically they call it an inselberg or a bornhardt. It’s defined as: “a large domelike residual hill of hard rock, characterized by very steep…

It is probably the most singular geological formation in Sri Lanka, and encompasses one of the more remarkable archaeological sites. It has a history that has all the elements of a classic drama, with a central character straight from Shakespeare’s…

As thousands of “weekenders” throng to Sigiriya whenever a holiday falls on a Friday or Monday, often to gaze at the architectural marvels or to gasp at the breathtaking sight from the summit, one cannot help but wonder if anyone…

The Sigiriya maidens have caused much debate, discussion and disagreement. Who are these ladies ? What is their message? These are questions that have eluded answers to generations of scholars and art lovers. . H.E.P. Bell believed that the paintings…