Angammedilla Gal-amuna (Rajabemma) at Polonnaruwa

Angammedilla Gal Amuna (stone weir), also known as Rajabemma, creates one of the main feeders to Parakrama Samudraya. This weir is credited to King Parakramabahu (1153-1186 CE), who had tapped the water of Amban Ganga (river) to Parakrama Samudraya.

The weir has been built on a rock bed which the river flows over. A large channel has been cut across the rock to provide stability and strength to the massive foundation rock cubes. Large holes cut into the rock slab inside the channel indicate stone pillars that would have been used to strengthen the dam. Although this weir has now disappeared, the protective wall along the right bank at the weir built with massive granite blocks can still be seen rising up to about 10 feet.

The diverted water was carried to the Parakrama Samudraya over an 8 km long canal called Akasa Ganga. Right before this weir, a large canal joins the river. The canal flows under the thick forest vegetation, and the water is quite cold. On the other hand, Amban Ganga flows over a rocky area void of any trees and brings steam of hot water, and one can feel the hot and cold streams within meters in the river.

The ancient weir at Angammedilla lies on edge but inside the Angammedilla National Park. The areas where the two streams joined were accessible to the general public and were bathing and a camping ground. The vehicles were able to reach the river bed itself. But with the popularity of the location and due to treasure hunting activities, access is now restricted and controlled under Angammedilla National Park authorities.

(Heritage Lanka by Neil Kiriella 2017, P:204)

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Angammedilla Gal Amuna (Rajabemma) at Polonnaruwa

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