Godamunna Ambalama

Restrooms constructed for the benefit of wayfarers are popularly called the Ambalamas or Gimanhal (rest halls).

Buddhists believe that the construction of an ambalama is a highly meritorious act. It has been customary to place a water container called pinthaliya close to the ambalama for public use. An ambalama served as a common property of the public and was used for overnight stay by those involved in long-distance travelling. References occur to ambalama in Sandésa poems. According to the account in the Gird Sandésa, ambalama has served as a meeting place and as a popular venue for discussions by wayfares. These Ambalamas are now diminishing In Importance Even to the hew context, Godamune Ambalama can be considered a significant landmark. This building can be seen two kilometres beyond Talatuoya on the route to Hanguranketa via Talaituoya and travelling a distance of 7 kilometres, taking the turn to the right.

The roof of the ambalama tests on wooden structures made out of the huge beams. Each of these beams measures 1.85 metres (6 ft.) in circumference. All the members used as supporting pillars have been artistically carved. At present, due to neglect in maintenance, the carvings are getting damaged.

After the Dutch set fire to the palace at Hanguranketa, some of the timber of the palace had been made use for the construction of this ambalama. When the Sacred Tooth Relic was secretly taken out of Kandy due to security reasons, it has been kept for one night and offerings made in the premises of the ambalama. This building has been gazetted as a monument by the Department of Archaeology.

In the past, there had been sitting accommodation arranged based on castes within the ambalama. Those structures have since been removed. Marassana ambalama, situated in close proximity, is very much similar in appearance to the Godamune Ambalama. Following are the names of some of the Ambalamas found in the Kandy district:

Ambekka ambalama
Marassana ambalama
Konagala ambalama
Sirimalwatta ambalama
Kandawella (Alicawella) ambalama
Waturakumbura Ambalampitiya ambalama
Hanguranketa ambalama
Udatenna ambalama
Gegakulupandura ambalama
Naranwala ambalama
Kengalle ambalama
Siriyagoda ambalama
Appallagoda ambalama
Davulagala ambalama
Galkota ambalama
Davalugala Kamburadeniya ambalama
Kandakumbura ambalama
Detakumbura ambalama
Medagamuwa ambalama

(Heritage of Kandurata by Dr. H.A.P. Abeyawardana P58,59)

Unique Sri Lanka

Godamunne Ambalama

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