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Uduwawala Ambalama (Google Street View) |
Uduwawala Ambalama (Sinhala: උඩුවාවල අම්බලම) is an old wayside rest in Kandy District, Sri Lanka. It is situated at the junction where the Katugastota-Medawala road meets Nikathenna road. The ancient Buddhist temple Uduwawala Purana Viharaya is located about 170m southeast of this Ambalama
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 Uduwawala Ambalama is roughly a square-shaped structure built of brick and mortar. The roof which is covered with semi-cylindrical clay tiles known as Sinhala-Ulu is held by 7 round brick pillars. Connecting these pillars, a short wall goes around the structure. The seats inside the Ambalama are made at different heights probably due to the caste differences that prevailed at the time of its construction.
The building was completely destroyed in 2017 due to a vehicle accident. It was reconstructed in 2021 with the financial help of villagers.
A Protected Monument
The Uduwawela Ambalama of Uduwawela village situated within the region of No. 418 Grama Niladhari Wasama of Uduwawela North in the Harispatthuwa Divisional Secretariat Division is an archaeological protected monument, declared by a government notification published on 13 February 2009.
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References
Government Gazette Notifications
1)The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 1589. 13 February 2009. p.192.