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Thaddamunai Archaeological Site (තඩ්ඩමුනෛ පුරාවිද්‍යා ස්ථානය)

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The Thaddamunai ruins in Vakarai are a Anuradhapura-era archaeological site featuring the remains of ancient stone structures. The site is heavily disturbed by treasure hunters, and all the pillars have been broken except one.

The ruins site at Thaddamunai, located in the village of Periyathaddamunai within Uriyankaddu 213 Grama Niladhari Division of Korale Pattu North (Vakare) District Secretariat, represents an archaeological location containing structural remains attributed to the Anuradhapura Era.

Access Route

When traveling from Vakare town toward Panichchankeni, pass the Vakare Government Hospital and continue a short distance to the area near the police station. From there, proceed approximately 200 m (0.12 miles) along the Uriyankaddu road on the right-hand side. The site is then reached by walking about 300 m (0.19 miles) into the forest on the left.

Historical Background

The structural characteristics of the archaeological remains found at this site indicate that the ruins belong to the Anuradhapura Era.

Location and Nature of Archaeological Evidence

Due to extensive destruction and disturbance, many of the pillars and associated archaeological elements have been displaced from their original positions and now remain scattered across the location.

One stone pillar survives in an intact condition, while several broken sections of other pillars are also present at the site. The evidence suggests that roughly shaped stone pillars measuring approximately 66 cm (26 inches) in height had been used in the original construction.

Approximately 10 m (32.8 feet) to the north, additional stone pillar fragments that had been removed from their original positions have been gathered together. This area shows clear signs of unauthorized excavation activity. Small quantities of ancient roof tile fragments and bricks have also been identified within the surrounding vicinity.

Geographical Coordinates

The exact location of the site is as follows:

North Latitude: 8°06′27.2″ N
East Longitude: 81°25′46.5″ E

References

Exploration and Documentation Division (Ed.). (2017). පුරාවිද්යා ස්ථාන හඳුනා ගැනීමේ ගවේෂණ වාර්තාව, මඩකලපුව දිස්ත්රික්කය. Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka.

Also See

Traveling Directions to Thaddamunai Archaeological Site

Route from Trincomalee to Periyathaddamunai Archaeological Site

Through: Kinniya – Mutur – Serunuwara – Verugal
Distance: 78 km
Travel time: 1.45 hours
Driving directions : see on Google Maps

Map of the Thaddamunai Archaeological Site

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