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After travelling approximately 5 kilometres from Sevanapitiya through Morawewa, and navigating through elephant-infested jungles, you’ll come across a land in Wadumune that was once inhabited by an advanced civilization. Thousands of years ago, this civilization utilized clay pots and organized burial practices for their deceased.
Among the scattered pottery sherds discovered at this site, there is a significant number belonging to vessels of various sizes. The distribution of these pottery sherds suggests the presence of one or more settlements in the area in the past. However, due to frequent flooding in the Lower Maduru Oya Valley where this area is located, many potsherds may have been washed away, leaving little visible evidence today.
Continuing a short distance beyond this area, you’ll encounter numerous stone graves scattered across the open plains. These graves, situated in various locations, share a similar construction: four large stone slabs are arranged vertically, creating a chamber within. Inside, a clay pot containing cremated remains is carefully positioned, before being covered by another stone slab of similar size. It’s reasonable to assume that these tombs, constructed in clusters, were intended for members of the same familial lineage.
In this Wadamunai (Wadamune) Megalithic Cemetery, scattered across the landscape, lie between 15 to 20 graves. Unfortunately, the peaceful serenity of these resting places has been disrupted by thorn bushes, which have taken root amidst many of the tombs. Adding to the desecration, some graves have fallen victim to the destructive hands of treasure hunters, who have ransacked them in search of valuables. Adding to the complexity of this burial ground, there are two other burial sites nearby. The largest of these sites sprawls over numerous acres, as reported by the villagers.
The abandoned Vadamunai Wewa Reservoir (Vadamune Wewa Reservoir), stands as a testament to the prosperity that once flourished in this area. Its presence bears witness to the rich history and the engineering achievements of ancient communities. However, this historical site currently lacks protection from any responsible party, leaving it vulnerable to further degradation and destruction.
Also See
- Prehistoric Sites of Sri Lanka
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of Wadamunai (Wadamune) Megalithic Burial 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.
Travelling Directions to Wadamunai (Wadamune) Megalithic Burial Site
The modern town of Polonnaruwa is also known as New Town, and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.
| Route from Colombo to Polonnaruwa Sacred City | Route from Kandy to Polonnaruwa Sacred City |
| Through : Central Highway – Kurunegala – Dambulla Distance from Colombo :230 km Travel Time : 4.45 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map | Through : Matale – Dambulla – Habarana Distance : 140 km Travel Time : 3.5 hours Driving Directions : see on Google maps |
| Route from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa Sacred City | Route from Batticaloa to Polonnaruwa Sacred City |
| Though : Maradankadawala – Habarana Distance : 103 km Travel Time : 2 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map | Though : Chenkaladi – Valachchena Distance : 97 km Travel Time : 2 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map |
| From Polonnaruwa to Vadamunai (Vadamune) Megalithic Cemetery |
| Via : Manampitiya Total Distance : 60 Kms Duration : 2 Hours Duration : Around 30-45 Minutes Driving Directions : View on Google Map |
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