Godawela Ambalama (Photo credit: Google Street View)
The Godawela Ambalama (Sinhala: ගොඩවෙල අම්බලම) is an old wayside rest situated at Godawela junction on the Beliatta-Hakmana road in Hambantota 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 structure
The Godawela Ambalama is a rectangular-shaped structure with a small verandah. A bench has been made along the entire length of the verandah for seating. The roof of the building is covered with semi-cylindrical clay tiles known as Sinhala-Ulu.
There is a square-shaped stone artefact in front of the Ambalama building with a circular hollow on the upper side. On one of the sides of it are some engravings with the year 1895.
Location Map
This page was last updated on 23 April 2023
