Kathaluwa Ranwella and Giniwella Viharayas, established in 1820, were split due to sect disputes. It housed Sri Lanka's first Sinhala Buddhist press.
Kathaluwa Ranwella and Giniwella Vihara Not to be confused with Kathaluwa Poorwarama Viharaya Ranwella Purana Viharaya and Giniwella Nawamuni Se Purana Viharaya Kataluwa Ranwella Viharaya (Sinhala: කතළුව රන්වැල්ල පුරාණ විහාරය, ගිනිවැල්ල නවමුණි සෑ පුරාණ විහාරය) are two Buddhist temples situated in Kathaluwa village in Galle District, Sri Lanka. The two temples are located adjacent to each other and divided by a fence. Both temples share the same Stupa and Bodhi tree. History Although there are two temples at the site today, initially there was only one temple, established around 1820. However, due to some issues that arose between two Buddhist sects, Amarapura Nikaya and Siyam Nikaya, it was divided into two temples namely, Ranwella Viharaya and Giniwella Viharaya. Lankopakaraya Printing Press The printing machine that was used for the oldest and first Sinhala Buddhist printing press in Sri Lanka named Lankopakaraya is presently preserved in the Ranwella temple premises. The machine was donated by Mongkut, the King of Siam (prese…
