Nepalana Ambalama

Nepalana Ambalama (Photo credit: Google street view)

Nepalana Ambalama is an old wayside rest situated in Nepalana near Mawanella in Kegalle 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 Nepalana Ambalama is roughly a rectangular-shaped structure built of bricks. The roof which is covered with semi-cylindrical clay tiles (Sinhala Ulu) is supported by twelve (outer) and four (inner) brick pillars erected in two concentric tiers.