“Saradiel Village” – authentic legend of ‘Robin Hood of Ceylon’ – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Situated approximately one kilometer from Uthuwankanda junction in Mawanella, two kilometers from the Colombo – Kandy Road, near *Uthuwankanda Rock, Saradiel Village is a theme park depicting the life of Saradiel (Dekirikewage Saradiel also known as “Uthuwankande Soora Saradiel” by locals), a bandit who later became a gang leader. Visiting Saradiel Village gives the visitor an understanding of Saradiel’s authentic story as well as the life of 18th century Ceylon. Declared open in 2012, approximately six acres has been utilized to create this 18th century traditional village. Although, constructed with cement, skillfully-built statues give visitors an impression as if they are alive. The artificially-built theme park similar to a hamlet offers glimpses and noteworthy moments in the life of Saradiel. Local as well as foreign tourists, mostly school children visit the theme park daily to see ...

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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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Alagalla Mountain Range – defense location of yesteryear –By Arundathie Abeysinghe   Situated at the boundaries of Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces of Sri Lanka, Alagalla Mountain Range or “Potato Range”, the potato-shaped rock with its nickname “Potato Mountain” which offers spectacular vistas has served as a natural defense location from 1505 – 1815 against the Portuguese, Dutch and English invasions aimed at the Kandyan Kingdom. According to legends, during foreign invasions, people living in Kandy and environs had been hiding among the cliffs that border Hatharaliyadda and Thumpane (villagers situated in close proximity to the Mountain) and retaliated against the Portuguese, Dutch and British. The majority of battles against foreign invasions aimed at the Kandyan Kingdom by western nations during the period of their rule of maritime provinces of Sri Lanka had occurred at Alagalla Mountain, at Balana (View Point) situated between *Kadugannawa Pass and Potato Range during the rule ...

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