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Kegalle Jubilee Ambalama – commemoration of a Jubilee – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Located in *Kegalle town of *Sabaragamuwa Province, Kegalle Jubilee *Ambalama is a large building similar to a small house and it is considered as the largest ambalama in Sri Lanka. Constructed in 1887 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), Jubilee Ambalama is an archaeologically protected monument, declared by a government notification on July 22, 2011. Unnoticed and unknown by the majority of travelers on Colombo – Kandy Road, including daily commuters as well as the public who visit Kegalle town daily and situated in the busy metropolis of Kegalle, Jubilee Ambalama showcases marvelous craftsmanship of our ancestors. According to the plaque, (in Sinhala and English Languages) on the front wall of the Ambalama, it had been constructed to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. According to folklore, the Ambalama has also been used ...

Jun 9, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Andiambalama, Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria, Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka

Kadadora Viharaya – spectacular vistas of drought – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Submerged by the water of *Kotmale Reservoir, spectacular ruins of Kadadora Viharaya, especially the sculptured statues of the Buddha and other deities that can be seen during drought is a rare surreal sight to behold … Nestled in the breathtaking central highlands of Sri Lanka, engulfed by the misty cool climate, clear waters rippling in the gentle breeze blowing across the vast expanse of water, no one would believe that there are scenic attractions to feast one’s eyes on, beneath the tranquil waters… Kadadora Viharaya in Kotmale is a nostalgic reminder of life in a bygone era… There are ruins of approximately 54 ancient temples of historic and archaeological value, 57 human settlements including villages, over 14 tea estates that were inundated with the completion of Kotmale Reservoir when the Reservoir was constructed damming Thispane and Kadadora hills ...

Jun 3, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Kadadora Pratibimbarama Viharaya, Kotmale, Kotmale Reservoir, Mahaweli Development program, Mahaweli River, Medagoda Vihara, Morape Devalaya, Nuwara Eliya District, Othalawa Vihara, Pattini Devalaya, Thispane Vihara,  Kotmale Mahaweli Maha Seya

Sober Island – enchanting islet in Trincomalee – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Sri Lanka is home to breathtaking sights. Some are well-known, whereas others are not and remain elusive … At the entrance of *Trincomalee Harbor, there is a small spectacular islet known as “Sober Island” (“Great Sober Island” and “Little Sober Island”). Strategic location of the Island made it a pivotal point in the Harbor’s defense during World War II when Trincomalee served as a marine fortress. This legacy remains even at present, although, the islets are now veiled in thick shrub jungles that envelop them, gradually. The islet rises steeply, starting from its shoreline and the summit of the islet offers breathtaking vistas of the surroundings and a panoramic view of the Trincomalee Harbor. The vistas were amazing with ocean, shrub jungle and bustling urban life blended together… Located approximately an hour’s drive from Pepper Pot Jetty in Trincomalee, ...

May 26, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Admiral Jacob Blacket, Admiral Saffron, American Revolutionary War, British Colonials, Isle du Solite, Pepper Pot Jetty, Sri Lanka, Sun Island, Trincomalee, Trincomalee’s Maritime, United States of America, World War II,  Great Britain,  Great Sober Island -

Kunchikulam Suspension Bridge – rare structure in the wilderness – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Situated approximately 42 kilometers from Mannar along Medawachchiya -Talaimannar road in Kunchikulam, in close proximity to *Wilpattu National Park, Kunchikulam Suspension Bridge is a hidden tourist attraction in the wilderness. Also known as “Kunchukulam Suspension Bridge”, Kunchikulam Hanging Bridge or “Kunchikulam Ellena Palama” or “Kunchikulam Sangili Palama” (in Sinhala meaning suspension bridge), the 100 meter long and 1.2 meters wide bridge is held by two strong cables with steel sheets laid across. The Bridge stretches across Malwathu Oya (Oya meaning stream in Sinhala). The Bridge can be seen en route to popular *Madhu Church when traveling from Medawachchiya. There is a small bill board before this road with directions to the hanging bridge. After traveling approximately 800 meters on this road, there is an ancient Steel Arch Bridge constructed across Yoda Ela, a 13 kilometer long ...

May 19, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Kunchikulam Ellena Palama, Kunchikulam Suspension Bridge, Madhu Church, Malwathu Oya, Medawachchiya, Sapaththu Palama, Thanthirimale, Yoda Wewa,  Wilpattu National Park

“Yathuru Pokuna” – amazing craftsmanship of Anuradhapura era – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Located in close proximity to *Jethawanaramaya Monastery in Anuradhapura, Yathuru Pokuna (meaning “Key Pond” in English) is a marvelous craftsmanship of our forefathers. There are three ponds known as “Yathuru Pokuna”, two in Jethawanaramaya Monastery Complex and one in *Maha Vihara Complex in close proximity to *Ruwanweliseya and the unique *Buddhist Railing. The design of “Yathuru Pokuna” (Key Pond) resembles a key. According to scholars, the Ponds have been utilized to obtain water for the rituals of the Bodhigara (Bo tree shrine) of Jethawanaramaya Monastery. According to *Mahawamsa, these ponds (also known as wells) would have been constructed during the era of King Agghabodhi II of *Anuradhapura Kingdom in the 7th century (608 to 618). These ponds are circular in shape and are not much deep. The walls of the ponds are constructed with bricks and steps ...

May 12, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Anuradhapura Kingdom, Jethawanaramaya Monastery Complex, Jethawanaramaya Monastery in Anuradhapura, King Agghabodhi II, Mahavihara Buddhist Monastery, Mahawamsa, Ruwanweliseya

Meeyan Ella – spectacular waterfall with a history – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Situated along the up-county railway line in close proximity to *Ihalakotte Railway Station, Meeyan Ella waterfall has a deep history unknown to the majority. The stream that Meeyan Ella waterfall originates is situated in a location known as Helan-Madiththa on the *Alagalla Mountain Range. Initially, the waterfall fell as a single stream over a rock and flowed over the villages of Thalagolla and Walagoda joining Thalagolla Oya (Oya meaning stream in Sinhala) connected to Ma Oya in Boella. At present, the waterfall drops as two waterfalls with a gap of approximately 50 meters along two artificially cut grooves on the rock surface. There is a history regarding the origin of the two waterfalls from one waterfall. During the British Colonial Era, a railway line from Colombo to Kandy was constructed by the Colonials to transport goods ...

May 6, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Alagalla Mountain Range, Alagalla rock, Ceylon Tea, JAMES TAYLOR, Meen Galla, Polgahawela, Thalagolla Oya

Hidden Eden in Seethawaka – treasure trove of nature – By Arundathie Abysinghe Nestled in the outskirts of *Avissawella, in Illukowita in close proximity to Thunmodara, alluring Sitawaka Wet Zone Botanical Gardens is a paradise on earth… Fresh mountain air, verdant forest with glimpses of breathtaking vistas… Pebbled paths with many rare plants and trees flanked by beautifully laden flower beds… A serene lake with a reflection of the flower beds and tall trees surrounded by verdant misty mountains… Panorama of the green canopy contrast with beautifully designed flower beds… A vast lake, the centerpiece of the Botanic Gardens contrasts with the blue-grey sky reflected in the clear waters… Visitors are enchanted watching fish, small as well as large, coursing through the lake, a therapeutic experience… The serene atmosphere of the Gardens offers splendor and serenity of a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the adjacent road… Visitors ...

Apr 29, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Kingdom of Sitawaka, Nissanka Alagakkonara, Sinharaja Rain Forest, Sitawaka Wet Zone Botanical Gardens, Sri Lanka

Pigeons Nest – protected monument in Delft Island – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Image Source : amazinglanka Located on the adjoining land of Delft Divisional Secretariat, the unique Pigeons Nest (Dovecote) is a historic landmark in *Delft Island. Considered as a special creation by the Dutch Colonials during the 17th – 18th centuries A.D., the Dutch had used *homing pigeons as an expedient to send messages between the adjoining islands, ships and the mainland. According to historical sources, during the Dutch Colonial Era, the Dutch who lived in Delft Island and surrounding islands have constructed the Pigeons Nest for the arrival, exit as well as for resting purposes of homing messenger pigeons. It is a one hour’s boat ride from Delft Island to the mainland. Hence, the pigeons had to fly over the Indian Ocean for over an hour to reach the mainland. The square-shaped nest is constructed with limestone commonly found ...

Apr 23, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Delft Island, Dutch Colonial Era, Homing pigeons, Jaffna, Pigeons Nest

Buddhist Railing at Jetawana Monastery – unique structure of yesteryear – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Located approximately 120 meters south of Jetawanarama (also known as Jetawanaramaya stupa or Buddhist reliquary monument) and located in the ruins of *Jetawana Monastery in the UNESCO world heritage city of *Anuradhapura, there is a structure known as “Buddhist Railing” which has been researched and analyzed by many scholars, authors and travelers from the period, the British discovered it in the 1800’s. This site is enclosed by a large railing made of stone slabs and pillars. According to the Archeological Commissioner’s Report of 1890, *H.C.P. Bell has discovered and restored this unique site. According to scholars, the stone fence is a Buddhist motif found in ancient Buddhist architecture including *Sanchi in India. According to *Mahawamsa, there had been a *Bodhi tree inside this structure and King Dappula II (797-801) had donated a golden Buddha Image ...

Apr 16, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Anuradhapura, H.C.P. Bell, Jetawanaramaya, King Dappula II, UNESCO

Balana Fort – strategic rock fortress in Kandyan hills By Arundathie Abeysinghe Situated between *Kadugannawa Pass and *Alagalla Mountain Range, Balana Fort was constructed during the *Kandyan Kingdom as a strategic rock fortress and an outpost for the Kingdom. The mountain of Balana is located over 600 meters above sea level. At present, Balana is administered by the *Central Province and is also the boundary line between the *Sabaragamuwa and Central Provinces. Balana Fort (Balana meaning Look-Out in Sinhala) was utilized as a sentry point on the approach to Kandy and was a strategic defense post to prevent enemy invasions and the remains of the Fort can still be found on the summit. According to historians, the path behind the Balana Railway Station has been the old road which is a steep 2.5 kilometer climb to the summit of the mountain and extends comparatively flat to the open plains ...

Apr 9, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Alagalla Mountain Range, Balana Fort, Central Province, Colombo-Kandy railway line., Kadugannawa, Kandyan Kingdom, Kandyan Kings, Major Roland James, Sri Lanka