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Vakaneri Archaeological Ruins (වාකනේරි පුරාවිද්‍යා නටබුන්)

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The Anurādhapura-period Vakaneri Archaeological Ruins in Kiran, Batticaloa, are located within a forested area bordered by the Maduru Oya River. The site features a large ancient building originally constructed with 4-meter-tall stone pillars, of which three complete pillars remain lying on the ground. Vandalism and illegal excavations have additionally exposed clay brick foundations and various scattered stone artifacts.

The Vakaneri Archaeological Ruins are situated on the boundary between the villages of Vahaneri and Muruthtthanai, within the Grāma Niladhāri Division of Vahaneri (210), in the Divisional Secretariat Division of Kōrale Pattu South (Kiran) in Batticaloa District.

Access Route

From Vakaneri, travel approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) to reach Pothana Junction. From there, proceed through the area known as Kalkanni and continue for a further 1.5 km (0.93 miles) until reaching a paddy field. Travel approximately 1 km (0.62 miles) along the canal that runs through the center of the paddy field. The archaeological site is located within a forested area at the end of this route.

Historical Background

The archaeological remains discovered at this site exhibit architectural characteristics and construction features that are consistent with the Anuradhapura period.

Location and Archaeological Context

The site is located within a forested landscape bordered by the Maduru Oya River to the north and Akkuranai to the west. The village of Muruthtthanai lies to the south, while paddy fields extend across the eastern side of the site.

Archaeological Remains

The site contains a variety of archaeological remains, including numerous stone pillars and structural ruins. Among them are the remains of a large building that was originally constructed using roughly dressed stone pillars approximately 4 m (13.1 ft) in height.

Although most of these pillars have been destroyed over time, three complete stone pillars remain lying in their original positions on the ground. Additional broken pillars are scattered throughout the site.

Evidence from Illegal Excavations

Illegal excavations carried out by vandals and treasure hunters have revealed that the foundations of the buildings were constructed using clay bricks. These unauthorized disturbances have also exposed additional stone artifacts and archaeological remains in the surrounding area.

Geographical Coordinates

The exact location of the site is as follows:

North Latitude: 7°54’32.8″ N
East Longitude: 81°24’58.3″ E

References

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

Also See

Map of the Vakaneri Archaeological Ruins

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Traveling to the Vakaneri Archaeological Ruins

Route from Batticaloa to Vakaneri Archaeological Ruins

Through: Oddamavadi
Distance: 50km
Travel time: 1.15 hours
Driving directions : see on Google Maps

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