Uthuwankanda – hideout of “Robin Hood of Sri Lanka” – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Glimpse of a rock similar to a chimney can be seen in the distance when traveling on Colombo-Kandy Road in close proximity to *Kadugannawa. Uthuwankanda standing at approximately 430 meters (1410 feet) above sea level was the hideout of Saradiel. The rock has memories of Saradiel (Dekirikewage Saradiel also known as “Uthuwankande Soora Saradiel” by locals), a bandit who later became a gang leader. Saradiel is popular among Sri Lankans as the “Robin Hood of Sri Lanka” as he used to rob from the rich and distributed the wealth thus robbed, among the poor. He was also a highway robber, yet, had been popular among the poor. Saradiel was an outlaw who rebelled against British authorities during the British Colonial Era. Although, he was arrested on several occasions, he managed to escape and Uthuwandka was his hideout. ...

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