Ranamune Pihilla and Ambalama

The Ranamune Pihilla, also known as the Ranamune Water Spout, and the Ambalama (Sinhala: රණමුනේ පිහිල්ල සහ අම්බලම) are situated in Kothmale in Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka.

Ranamune Pihilla

According to folklore, the history of this place is related to Prince Dutugemunu [(reign 161-137 B.C.) Abeywardana, 2004]. It is said that the sward of the prince had been hidden here for protection when he comes from Ruhuna to Maya Rata seeking shelter. After the death of King Kavantissa (the farther of Prince Dutugemunu), the prince had to leave for war having taken the sward from this spot (Abeywardana, 2004). However, the same folklore is found associated with Dehadu Kadulla, an ancient monument located near to Kothmale Maha Seya.

Presently, many people come to this place for washing and bathing purposes.

Ranamune Ambalama 

Ambalamas are traditional resting places built by locals to accommodate wayfarers who were travelling to distant places. They were also used as a place for people to gather, hold meetings and serve as a public place in society. During the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, Ambalamas were spread all over the country. The Ambalama at Ranamune is believed to be one such resting place built with granite blocks. The building is relatively small and contains an open space surrounded by a short wall. The four-sided roof which is held by four pillars has been tiled with clay tiles.

A protected site

The Mawela Ranamune Ambalama and water pipe situated in the Grama Niladhari Division of Mawela West, in Kotmale Divisional Secretary’s Division are archaeological protected monuments, declared by a government Gazette notification published on 6 June 2008.

References

1) Abeywardana, H.A.P., 2004. Heritage of Kandurata: Major natural, cultural and historic sites. Colombo: The Central Bank of Sri Lanka.  pp.233-234.
2) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 1553. 6 June 2008. p.526.

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This page was last updated on 24 September 2023