Ambalama Heritage
Ambagaspitiya Ambalama
අඹගස්පිටිය අම්බලම
Western Province
Gampaha District
7°5'6.84''N 80°4'3''E
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Eighteenth century, Kandyan roof, four kilometres out of Yakkala, still doing its one job.
STAND INSIDE IT — 360°
THE PLACE
The Ambalama (Sinhala: අම්බලම) is a simple structure that was designed to provide shelter for passing travellers. There were no charges for using the premises of the Ambalama as it was made, as an offering of goodwill (Pinkama).
The Ambalamas were also ideal points where it is said, many a traveller would recite old Sinhala poetry for the others sharing the nights rest abode to…listen to. This structure was of indigenous architecture and made to withstand weather conditions. Ambagaspitiya Ambalama was built in the 18th century in Gampaha district and is situated on the Yakkala-Radawana road about 4.7 km from Yakkala. The roof is the typical Kandyan style with semi-cylindrical Sinhala ulu. The archaeological department declared this site as a protected monument in 2002.
THE PHOTOGRAPHS
THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S NOTES
On the Yakkala–Radawana road, about 4.7 km from Yakkala.
- Viran de Silva
ONWARD
Or let the island choose – take me anywhere
UNIQUE SRI LANKA
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CONTACT
Photographs © Viran de Silva
info@virandesilva.com
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