
Veherakema in Panama lies about 8.5 km from Panama on the route to Okanda. At the base of a rock in Veherakema lies a small Gana Kovil venerated by Hindus. A foot path from this kovil reaches the large rock plateau where ruins of an ancient monastery complex can be seen.
As you walk you will come across a kema filled with water. Passing the kema, ruins of two ancient stupas damaged by treasure thieves over and over again can be seen. Other ruins of image houses, shrine rooms and other buildings can be seen scattered all over this rocky plain. These ruins has been declared as a protected archaeological site by the Government with the Gazette issued on 10th October 2014, and describes the location as follows
“Rock with archaeological ruins including hillocks covering ancient chaithyas, ruins of buildings, ponds, flight of steps, inscriptions belonging to Veherakema Buddhist Religious Center in Kunukola village Grama Niladari Division Panama South in the Divisional Secretary’s Division, Lahugala in Ampara District in Eastern Province. (latitude 06º 70028’N and longitude 081º 77635′ E).”
Also See
Map of Veherakema Archaeological Site
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.
Travel Directions to Veherakema Archaeological Site
Route from Pottuvil to Veherakema Archaeological Site |
Through : Panama Distance : 25 km Travel time : 45 mins Time to spend : 30 mins Driving directions : see on google map |