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In ancient times, people traveled on foot or by bullock cart. Journeys for pilgrimage or trade were measured in days, unlike today, where they’re measured in hours. This led to the emergence of resting places, or ambalamas, at various points. These ambalamas were used by travelers to safely spend the night and prepare simple meals. They were typically built at intersections of frequently used routes. When constructing an Ambalama, a location with essential facilities for travelers, such as a well or a stream, was chosen.
These Ambalamas also served as important gathering places for the people of the respective villages. Most Ambalamas were built under royal patronage or with the support of local elites. Therefore, the size and artistic embellishments of these Ambalamas varied according to the wealth of the patrons.
Such a resting place can be found near the Nilwala River in Matara. This Ambalama, known as Weragampita Ambalama, is located about 600 meters inland from the old Navimana ferry point on the Nilwala River. Before bridges were built across this river, this ferry point must have been a bustling location. Travelers arriving at the ferry point from distant places would have found this Ambalama a refuge to rest.
This Ambalama is not a very ancient one. It is believed to have been constructed in the 18th or 19th century. It is built on a platform made of bricks and cement, approximately 2.5 feet high. The height of the platform might have been chosen to protect against floods during the rainy season when the Nilwala River overflows, and also to provide safety from snakes and wild animals at night. On the platform, a short wall about a foot wide is built, with six conical cement pillars on two sides. On the other two sides, cement walls extend up to the roof. The roof is gabled (with four slopes) and covered with traditional Sinhala tiles.
Inside the Ambalama, six to seven people can easily sleep on the sleeping ledges (kottapila) along the walls. Unlike the wooden Ambalamas influenced by the Kandyan era, this Ambalama has no carvings or other artistic creations.
Currently, the Weragampita Ambalama has been conserved and secured with a mesh and an iron plate door, preventing entry.
To reach this Ambalama, travel 1.5 kilometers along Sri Dharmarathana Mawatha, which is near the Matara Star Fort. The Ambalama will be found at a T-junction. After passing the Ambalama, you can reach the Navimana ferry point by traveling another 600 meters along the road to the right.
Also See
- List of Ambalama’s in Sri Lanka
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of Matara Weragampita 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
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Travelling Directions to Matara Weragampita Ambalama
| From Matara to Weragampita Ambalama |
| Via: Sri Dharmarathana Mawatha Total Distance: 1.6 km Driving Time: 5 minutes Driving Directions: See on Google Maps |
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