Fox Hill, Diyatalawa — Origin of the Name-by Harold Gunatillake
Nice article, Harold.
May need some finessing on the Boer participation. All except one Boer Prisoner of war were repatriated by the British b as long as they took an oath to the British Crown. One stubbornly refused. The Government did not know what to do with him. He was given a job as a Game Warden and was mainly down south. They say he fathered many children. By 1913, only the huts remained of the 5000 strong camp.
Regards, Srilal
In response to SriLal, I’ve also added my own review on the topic. Thanks so much, Srilal!
Image Source:Sundaytimes
Prominently situated on the elevated ridges of Diyatalawa is a distinctive landmark: a hill adorned with a white granite fox, its silhouette discernible against the verdant slopes. For over a century, this elevation has been recognised by Sri Lankans as Fox Hill.
However, the narrative underpinning its nomenclature is considerably more intricate than mere folklore — encompassing
naval tradition, colonial history, and the distinctive military heritage of Diyatalawa.
A Vessel, an Elevation, and a Snapshot in the Year 1913
In 1913, the British naval vessel HMS FOX arrived in Trincomalee for maintenance—an ordinary occurrence for the ageing ship that regularly sought shelter in Ceylon’s ports. During this visit, the ship’s captain and crew journeyed inland to Diyatalawa, a well-established military facility renowned for its brisk climate and picturesque highland landscape.
Captivated by the scenery reminiscent of the English countryside, the crew resolved to leave a lasting testament of their visit. They ascended a prominent hillock overlooking the military area and carefully arranged white granite stones to form:
- the outline of a fox,
- the name HMS FOX,
- and the year 1913.
From that day onward, the hill has been designated as Fox Hill, a nomenclature that has remained unaltered for over a hundred years.
The Narrative of the Boer Prisoners — Folklore Versus Actuality
Popular retellings often claim that Boer prisoners of war assisted the HMS FOX crew in placing the granite stones. While colourful, this detail does not align with the historical timeline.
The Historical Record
- Diyatalawa indeed accommodated nearly 5,000 Boer prisoners during the Second Boer War (1899–1902).
- Following the conclusion of the war, the British authorities repatriated nearly all prisoners on the condition that they pledge allegiance to the British
· All but one complied.
- The sole dissenter declined to take the oath, and the colonial administration, uncertain of how to manage him, designated him as a Game He predominantly resided in the
southern region of Ceylon and ultimately became a legendary figure locally, reputed to have fathered numerous children.
- By the year 1913, when HMS FOX made its visit to Diyatalawa, all Boer prisoners had been relocated, leaving behind only the vacant huts of the former camp as silent reminders of
Therefore
The granite fox was almost certainly placed solely by the HMS FOX crew, possibly with assistance from local labourers or military personnel — not Boer prisoners. The Boer involvement survives today as popular folklore, not historical fact.
Diyatalawa’s Military Legacy
Long before Fox Hill became synonymous with motorsports, Diyatalawa was already integral to Sri Lanka’s military identity.
- During the early 20th century, it served as the location for one of the largest Boer prisoner of war camps exterior to South Africa.
- Subsequently, it functioned as a sanatorium for naval personnel of the Royal Navy’s East Indies
- Volunteer units of the Ceylon Defence Force trained here during the British
- Following independence, Diyatalawa inevitably emerged as the birthplace of the newly established Ceylon Army in
Today, the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) functions as the preeminent institution for officer training, upholding Diyatalawa’s longstanding military tradition. Its premises are situated adjacent to Fox Hill, rendering the hill not merely a historical landmark but an integral component of the Army’s enduring heritage.
Fox Hill Supercross — A Contemporary Chapter
Sri Lanka’s premier motorsport event, the Fox Hill Supercross, derives its name directly from this historic hill. The racing track, built and maintained by SLMA, sits in the shadow of Fox Hill, blending military discipline with high-octane excitement. Each April, thousands gather to witness the spectacle — engines roaring
across the highland terrain, flags snapping in the wind, and the granite fox watching silently from above.
(Hon Rajiva Wijesinghe writes, reading my previous article on the topic: Thanks, fascinating. Did you know I coordinated the degree programme at the SLMA for 7 years? Rajiva)
A Name Carved in Stone, A Story Carved in Time
Fox Hill represents more than just a geographical landmark; it serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate interplay between history, serendipity, and human narratives. The site is historically connected to a British vessel requiring repairs, a crew captivated by the surrounding hills, a former prisoner of war camp gradually fading from collective memory, and a modest granite fox sculpture. Collectively, these elements have endowed the area with a name that has endured through generations.
Diyatalawa bears numerous stories, yet the tale of Fox Hill remains among the most enduring: a subtle tribute positioned on a hill, still observable today, continuing to convey its narrative to those who pause sufficiently to listen.
This is a revised version with more reading on the topic. Any other corrections are welcome.
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