Lenabatuwa Ambalama

Photo credit: Google street view

The Lenabatuwa Ambalama is an old wayside rest in the village of Lenabatuwa in Matara 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 Ambalama at Lenabatuwa is one such building constructed long years ago.

The structure

This rectangular-shaped brick-built building has been plastered with lime mortar. Three sides of the building are fully covered by the walls while the front side is opened to the road. Two small windows have been made on the two sides for ventilation. The walls are about 18 inches in thickness (Abeyawardana, 2004). The roof is covered with calicut clay tiles. 

 

References

1) Abeyawardana, H.A.P., 2004. Heritage of Ruhuna: Major natural, cultural and historic sites. Colombo: The Central Bank of Sri Lanka. ISBN: 955-575-073-4. p.64.

Location Map

This page was last updated on 2 January 2021
For a complete tourist map follow this link: Lankapradeepa Tourist Map