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At present, four Ambalamas (traditional roadside resting places) are known to exist in the Galle District. These are:
- The Ambalama inside Galle Fort
- Meepe Welamada Ambalama
- Baddegama Ambalama
- Waniyarawele Ambalama
The Weniyarawela Ambalama is located on the road toward Batapola, near Kiribatawila School, along the Hikkaduwa–Baddegama road. After traveling approximately two kilometers on this road, the Ambalama comes into view at a T-junction. A scenic paddy field still stretches out in front of the Ambalama, adding to the charm of a bygone era.
I arrived at the site during a heavy downpour. While sheltering there, I spoke with a young three-wheeler (autorickshaw) driver from the nearby stand. He shared a deep affection for the Ambalama and its surrounding history.
He told me, with a tone of sorrow, that until recently there was an ancient public bathing well situated just across the paddy field in front of the Ambalama. The well had been constructed with large black granite blocks and featured descending steps and a raised embankment. Historically, Ambalamas often stood alongside ponds or wells, built for the convenience of weary travelers. It is therefore reasonable to believe that this particular well was part of the original Ambalama complex.
Regrettably, he added that the local council came last year and demolished the embankments, subsequently filling the well with soil, thereby erasing yet another piece of heritage. A visual record of the well still survives thanks to Google Street View, which captured it in 2015.
The exact origins of the Weniyarawela Ambalama remain unknown. However, it was initially built in a square design with a four-sided sloping roof, much like the nearby Baddegama Ambalama. After falling into disrepair, the Ambalama was rebuilt in 1967, altering its original form and resulting in the loss of much of its historical character.
Today, the existing structure is maintained not by any government body, but by the local villagers and the autorickshaw drivers at the nearby stand.
Also See
- List of Ambalama’s in Sri Lanka
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of Weniyarawela Ambalama
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.
Traveling Directions to Weniyarawela Ambalama
| From Hikkaduwa to Weniyarawela Ambalama |
| Via : Gonapinuwala Total Distance: 12 km Time to Travel: 20 minutes Time to Spend: Approximately 15 minutes Driving Directions: See on Google Maps. |
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