Two grand rock archways, three defence walls, a complete courthouse, 121 rooms, 21 courtyards-they all belong to one house, to the house, which sheltered Maduwanwela Disawe popularly known as the Black Prince of Sabaragamuwa. Although it has lost some of its original grandeur with the passage of time, Maduwanwela Walawwa still stands proudly with many a unique feature, reminding one of a history that runs back to more than 300 years. This ancient Walawwa, located about 25km from Embilipitiya, was originally built in the 1700s by Maduwanwela Maha Mohottala during the Dutch period. In 1725 under the regime of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, it was laid with country tiles or Sinhala Ulu. Maduwanwela walauwa is accessible via Embilipitiya along the Panamure- Kolonne-Rakwana highway about 15 miles away.

Maduwanwela Dissawe died in 1930 and his grand walauwa now lies in shambles. Nestling in the lap of the awe-inspiring mountain frontier of the Kolonne valley is his medieval castle-like walauwa that originally had 141 spacious living rooms and 12 ?meda midulas? (inner courtyards).

The spirit of the doughty Dissawe extended to his sprawling Nindagams (County). He is remembered even today for his proud independence and how he never bowed down to the white rulers (the Government Agents) of his domain. This great man was called Jamis William Maduwanwela Dissawe.

The history of Maduwanwela walauwa dates back to the Kandyan period of King Vimala-Dharmasuriya II (1687-1707 A.D). Maduwanwela Dissawe's earliest ancestor who lived at this walauwa was Maduwanwela Mohottala.

Maduwanwela walauwa is accessible via Embilipitiya along the Panamure- Kolonne-Rakwana highway about 15 miles away. It can be reached from Colombo along the Ratnapura - Pelmadulla - Embilipitiya - Nonagama highway. Visitors can turn off at Madampe junction deviating to Rakwana - Kolonne (even to Deniyaya), where the distance to Maduwanwela walauwa is about 35 miles.

Maduwanwela Walauwa Related references