Veheradivulana (Divulanagoda) Ruins inside Yala

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Steps cut in to the rock leading to the ruined stupas at the top at the Monaragala Veheradivulana Archaeological Site
photo by Thilanka Gunarathna

Veheradivulana (also spelled Veheradiulana, Weheradivulana, or Divulanagoda) is a remote and largely forgotten archaeological site on the banks of the Kumbukkan Oya, bordering Yala National Park. Like many ancient sites in this region, it has suffered greatly from treasure hunters and neglect.

This rocky outcrop, accessible through Kotiyagala near Yala Zone 3, bears evidence that the Kumbukkan Oya valley was once densely inhabited during the height of the Ruhuna sub-kingdom. Nearby sites such as Veheragala Monastery, Wattarama Temple in Kotiyagala, and Thalaguru Vehera within Yala attest to a once-thriving monastic community.

Renowned archaeologist Prof. Raj Somadeva identifies Veheradivulana as one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, though systematic excavations are yet to confirm its historical significance. The Handbook for the Ceylon Traveller (1974) describes the site as a terraced hill crowned with the crumbling remains of a dagaba, two rock-cut stairways, and caves — one containing an eight-foot-high limestone Buddha image whose head touched the cave roof.

Twenty miles up the Kumbukkan oya along the jeep track from Kumana and then half a mile to the North is a gently rising rocky hill. Diulanagoda, surmounted by the crumbling remains of a dagaba. The hill appears to be terraced and has two long flights of steps cut into the rock from. two directions, leading to the summit. There are two drip-ledged caves one of which contains a white limestone image of the Buddha, 8 feet high, the crown touching the cave’s roof.

oday, ruins of three stupas, drip-ledged caves, stone pillars, and foundations of ancient structures remain. Deep rock-cut steps lead to the caves and destroyed stupas, many of which bear scars from treasure hunters’ explosives. Locals speak of a six-foot marble Buddha statue now lying shattered among the ruins. In one cave, remnants of a brick wall suggest a former monk’s dwelling or image house, while a crude life-size statue dressed in yellow—likely a later addition—stands oddly among the ruins.

A distinctive natural feature of the site is a tall, chimney-shaped rock rising on the eastern side of the monastery.

Veheradivulana lies about 30 km from Kotiyagala village and 3 km from the Maha Kebiliththa Devalaya. Reaching it requires a 4WD vehicle or tractor and the assistance of a local guide, as the journey winds through dense jungle and rugged terrain.

List of Archaeological Sites inside Yala and Kumana National Parks

Akasa Chethiya
Athurumithurugala (see map below)
Athurumituruwewa
Bambaragastalawa
Bembawa
Bowattegala
Brahmanatota
Dematagala
Dikkandanegala
Divulanagoda (Veheradivulana)
Gonagala
Goyankola Mayagala
Handuneruwa
Iriyapola
Kanabiso Galge
Katupila (see map below)
Katupila Mankada (see map below)
Kiripokunahela
Mahakiriwedumagala
Kongala

Monaragala Veheradivulana Archaeological Site
Source : www.sundayobserver.lk

Ruins of Monaragala Veheradivulana Archaeological Site

The unique chimney shaped rock at the Monaragala Veheradivulana Archaeological Site

References

1974. Handbook for the Ceylon Traveller. 1st ed. Colombo: Studio Times.

Also See

Map of Veheradivulana Archaeological Site inside Yala

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Travel Directions to Veheradivulana Archaeological Site inside Yala

The route to Veheradivulana is through Monaragala and Kotiyagala. Beyond Kotiyagala, the landscape turns into vast stretches of chenna cultivation, with only rough jeep and tractor paths winding through the wilderness. These rugged tracks are not mapped, so navigation relies heavily on local knowledge.

From Colombo, it is approximately 320 kilometers to Monaragala. From there, you must travel another 33 kilometers to Kotiyagala. The final leg — about 29 kilometers of uncharted jungle paths — leads you almost up to the Maha Siyambala Devalaya before reaching the Veheradivulana Archaeological Site.