Katupilagolla Ambalama

Katupilagolla Ambalama (Photo credit: Google street view)

Katupilagolla Ambalama is an old wayside rest situated in Katupilagolla village near Rambadagalla Viharaya in Kurunegala 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. 

 

There are two dates carved on the granite structure of the Katupilagolla Ambalama. Of them the first one denotes the year 1865. The second one denotes the date in the Buddhist year 2442 which is corresponding to the common year 1898. It is supposed that this Ambalama would have been built in 1865 and went through a renovation in 1899.

The structure

The Katupilagolla Ambalama is roughly a square-shaped structure built of stone blocks and pillars. The roof which is covered with calicut clay tiles (Rata Ulu) is held by 12 pillars (eight outer pillars and four inner pillars). Connecting the outer pillars, a short wall goes around the structure with an opening for the entrance at the front.