Located near Panama on the route to Okanda, Veherakema features ancient monastic ruins on a large rocky plateau. A protected archaeological site since 2014, it includes damaged stupas, image houses, natural water ponds (kema), inscriptions, and a new Gana Kovil.
Veherakema in Panama is located approximately 8.5 kilometers (5.3 miles) from Panama, along the route to Okanda. At the base of a rock at Veherakema stands a small Gana Kovil that is venerated by Hindus. A footpath beginning near this Kovil leads to a large rocky plateau, where the remains of an ancient monastery complex can be found.
As you proceed along the footpath, you will encounter a kema, a natural depression filled with water. Beyond the kema are the remains of two ancient stupas, both of which have been repeatedly damaged by treasure hunters. Scattered across the rocky plain are further ruins, including image houses, shrine rooms, and the remains of other structures.
The archaeological remains at Veherakema have been declared a protected archaeological site by the Government under a Gazette notification issued on 10 October 2014. The Gazette describes the location as follows:
“Rock with archaeological ruins including hillocks covering ancient chaityas, 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 the Veherakema Archaeological Site
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Travel Directions to Veherakema Archaeological Site
| Route from Pottuvil to Veherakema Archaeological Site |
| Through: Panama Distance: 25 km Travel time: 45 mins Time to sspend:30 mins Driving directions: see on Google Maps |
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