Gonagolla Viharaya (Ampara)

Gonagolla Viharaya, is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Kothmale colony village in Ampara. Its history is dated back to the Anuradhapura Period.
Gonagolla Viharaya (Ampara)
Gonagolla Viharaya , also known as Gonagolla Punchi Sigiriya (Sinhala: අම්පාර ගොනාගොල්ල විහාරය), is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Kothmale colony village in Ampara District, Sri Lanka. The site can be reached by travelling along the Senagama-Gonagolla road about 5 km distance from Weranketagoda town. History The history of Gonagolla Viharaya is dated to the Anuradhapura Period . Several inscriptions and a rock painting that is believed to belong to the 5th century A.D. have been found on the site (Sirimalwatta, 2016). Inscriptions Five epigraphs, all rock inscriptions belonging to the 3rd-5th centuries A.D. are identified at the site (Sirimalwatta, 2016). They all have been inscribed on a rock plane on which an ancient flight of steps and the remains of an ancient structure are found.  Gonagolla rock inscriptions (Ref.: The information board at the site by the Director-General of Archaeology) Period: 3-4th centuries A.D. Scripts: Later Brahmi Language: Old Sinhala # First ins…

3 comments

  1. Anonymous
    The painting should be more conserved. Only small part is remaining today
  2. Anonymous
    there is a mixed up in names. this place is "Gonagala" near 29th Colony. there is a another village called "Gonagolla" in Ampara-Kandy main road and between 33, 32 and 30 colonies. please correct it.
    1. H.A.K.L. Manjula
      Thank you for your correction