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AMPARA – Sri Lanka’s Eastern Gateway to Wildlife, History & Sacred Heritage – By Francis Paul Welangoda
Source : Francis Paul Welangoda’s FB post
Ampara is the main administrative town of the Ampara District in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province. Located approximately 360 km east of Colombo, it was originally a hunter’s resting place that transformed into a thriving town during the development of the Gal Oya scheme in 1949. It is now a gateway to some of the country’s most diverse wildlife parks and historical religious sites. Buddhangala Monastery An ancient forest hermitage situated on a rocky outcrop, offering a serene atmosphere and panoramic views. Deegavapiya Stupa One of the sixteen most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka believed to have been visited by the Buddha. Kumana National Park A world-renowned bird sanctuary covering over 35,000 hectares, home to rare species like the black-necked stork. Gal Oya National Park Famous for its boat safaris on the Senanayake Samudraya, where you can watch elephants swimming between islands. Legend states that Prince Dighayu, a relative of the early kings, founded the settlement in the 4th century BCE. It became a prosperous agricultural hub and a strategic stronghold for later kings like Saddhatissa and Dutugemunu. During the British colonial period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area was largely dense jungle and served as a hunters’ resting place. The region remained sparsely populated compared to the coast until the mid-20th century. The modern town of Ampara was born out of the Gal Oya Development Scheme, initiated in 1949 by Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake. Ampara is a hub for nature enthusiasts and those interested in ancient Buddhist history. The town is centered around a large man-made lake known as the Ampara Tank. Most travelers use Arugam Bay as a base for surfing while visiting Ampara’s national parks.
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