Located along Alakeshwara Road, the “Tomb of Alakeshwara” features two laterite structures linked to the founder of Kotte who repelled Arya Chakravarti. While traditionally called a tomb, artefacts like grinding stones suggest the site may instead be the remains of Alakeshwara’s palace.
The Tomb of Alakeshwara, traditionally believed to be the burial place of the founder of Kotte, is easily accessible via Alakeshwara Road, which branches off Pittakotte Road. Alakeshwara, a minister serving King Vikramabahu III (1357-1374 CE) of Gampola Kingdom, was entrusted with the task of halting the advance of the armies of Arya Chakravarti, which were moving along Sri Lanka’s western coast.
According to local legend, Alakeshwara once witnessed a hare being chased by a jackal. When the animals reached a particular area, the hare suddenly turned and chased the jackal instead. This unusual incident was interpreted as a sign that the location possessed auspicious qualities and was therefore designated a Jaya Bhumi (victory ground), suitable for the construction of a fortress.
From this strategic location, Minister Alakeshwara is said to have directed his military campaign against the northern army and repelled its advance. In later years, kings selected the surrounding area as their capital, benefiting from its natural defences, which included extensive marshlands and the Diyawanna Oya.
Archaeological Remains and Architectural Features
The site comprises two structures situated close to each other, both constructed using kabook (laterite) blocks. The larger structure is rectangular, measuring 41 feet (12.5 metres) in length and 18.5 feet (5.6 metres) in width. The second structure stands on an irregularly shaped foundation and has a roughly square plan, measuring 21.5 feet (6.6 metres) in length.
The architectural features of the buildings, together with artefacts discovered at the site, including grinding stones and water filters, have been cited as evidence supporting the interpretation that the remains may have formed part of Alakeshwara’s palace. Although the site is popularly known as the Tomb of Alakeshwara (Alakeshwara Sohona), these archaeological features have led to the suggestion that it may instead represent the remains of a palace or another building associated with the minister.
Also See
Map of the Tomb of Alakeshwara
The map above also shows other places of interest within approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information on these sites
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Driving Directions to the Tomb of Alakeshwara
| Distance from Colombo Galle Face to the Tomb of Alakeshwara |
| Though : Rajagiriya Distance: 9 km Travel time : 20 mins Driving directions : see on Google Maps |