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Tissamaharama cradle of Ruhuna’s ancient civilisation-by Mahil Wijesinghe Source:Sundayobserver After passing through Lunugamvehera and the thick residential area, the Wiravila tank is seen on the road to Tissamaharama. The Mattala Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport has given the area a modern face-lift. The Wirawila tank nestles amid the mountainous profiles of the sacred peaks of Kataragama. On either side of the highway, stretch large tracts of paddy fields watered by the Lunugamvehera tank. The next destination of great historical and cultural heritage is Tissamaharama – the cradle of Ruhunu Rata civilisation in the deep South where kings ruled. This ancient kingdom of Magama was founded by King Mahanaga of the 3rd century BC after the famous or infamous mango fruit episode, as related in the chronical of Mahavamsa when he fled Raja Rata with his retinue and consort to Ruhunu Rata and founded this epic kingdom of Mahagama. ...