Weragampita Ambalama

Weragampita Ambalama (Photo credit: Google street view)

The Weragampita Ambalama is an old wayside rest situated in Weragampita village 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 Weragampita Ambalama is believed to be one such structure built in the 19th century or later (probable). According to locals, this Ambalama may have been erected as a part of the old Nawimana port on the nearby Nilwala Ganga.

The structure

The Ambalama has been built on a raised square-shaped platform made of bricks and cement. Two sides of the building are covered by a high wall that rises up to the roof while the other two sides are bordered by a short wall. Two entrances have been placed on the two sides that face the road. The roof is covered with semi-circular tiles known as Sinhala-Ulu.

Location Map

This page was last updated on 2 January 2022
For a complete tourist map follow this link: Lankapradeepa Tourist Map