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“Govinda Hela” – royal fortress of yesteryear – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Home to a diverse range of endemic flora and fauna and located in Siyambalanduwa, on the border of the Ampara District in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, in a thick forest surrounded by rivers and tanks, “Govinda Hela” (known as “Westminster Abbey” by British Colonials during the British Colonial Era due to its resemblance to the landmark in London) had been an inaccessible fortress of King Bhuwanekabahu who reigned in the 6th century. Thereafter, the location had been abandoned. It was rediscovered by British Colonials during the British Colonial Era and renamed as “Westminster Abbey.” Scattered on the summit of Govinda Hela are ruins of a royal palace and a monastery, yet the main attraction of the location is the “Hulan Kapolla” (a space between two rocks, through which strong wind blows). The highest point of the trek ...