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Archaeological Sites

Ruins of the Palace of Sri Weeraparakrama Narendrasinghe

Central Province

Kandy District

7°16'28.4"N 80°41'11.1"E

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THE PLACE

The Kundasale palace ruins are associated with King Sri Weeraparakrama Narendrasinghe, who ruled the Kandyan kingdom from 1707 until his death in 1739. Only scattered structural remains survive on the site, now known locally as Udamaluwa, and vegetation and later disturbance make the original layout difficult to read. Two Department of Archaeology notice boards mark the location; no significant excavation has been carried out, so the ruins are best approached as an archaeological trace of the former royal residence rather than as a standing palace.


According to local historical accounts, the king moved his palace here from Kandy in 1710, entrusting the work to Rambukwelle Dissawe, who engaged a builder named Devendra. The palace was built entirely of wood, on a hilltop within a garden called Narikele. It is described as functioning more as a pleasure retreat than a seat of state; the king was known as "Sellam Rajjuruwo," the playful king, and a favourite jackfruit tree once stood on the grounds.


The same accounts hold that British forces under Captain Arthur Johnson burned the palace down in 1804. Timber salvaged from the ruins reportedly went into building the adjoining Sri Narendrasinhe Rajamaha Viharaya temple, with further material distributed to temples at Rambukwella, and two stone elephant carvings now at the entrance to Kandy's Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic are said to have come from here as well.

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PROVINCE

Central Province

DISTRICT

Kandy District

DS DIVISION

GN DIVISION

LOCALITY

Kundasale

FROM COLOMBO

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COORDINATES

7°16'28.4"N 80°41'11.1"E

THE PHOTOGRAPHS

THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S NOTES

The remains may be overgrown and difficult to identify. Use local guidance, do not move stones or clear vegetation, and avoid entering neighbouring property without permission.

- Viran de Silva

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Photographs © Viran de Silva
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