Gelanigama Ambalama, built in 1851 near Bandaragama, is a brick-and-mortar rest stop featuring a Sinhala inscription.
Gelanigama Ambalama G elanigama Ambalama (Sinhala: ගැලණිගම අම්බලම) is an old wayside rest located near Gelanigama expressway exit in Bandaragama in Kalutara District, Sri Lanka. History 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 Gelanigama Ambalama is believed to be one such building constructed more than one hundred years ago. An inscribed stone slab that is fixed onto the inner-rear wall of the Ambalama mentions the year 1851. The Structure The Ambalama is square in shape and has been made of brick and mortar. The pitched roof is held by 4 pillars at the corners. By connecting these pillars, a short wall runs around the building. Slab Inscription This inscribed slab is found fixed onto the inner-rear wall of the Ambalama. The inscription …
