Travelling from Colombo via Ja-ela, Ekala, Minuvangoda, Divulapitiya, Giriulla, Dambadeniya, Narammala. Destination the ambalamas of Panapitiya and Karagahagedara finding the Panapitiya Ambalama is not difficult although there is no sign board on the main road. The turn-off is before reaching Narammala town on the road leading to the Matiyagana school. The Karagahagedara Ambalama is a different story. The turn-off from the main road is after the Narammala town at Kalugamuwa on the Kurunegala road.

Karagahagedara Ambalama was celebrated for its scenic setting amongst the local paddy fields. The narrow unsealed road that led to this gem of old world charm hugely compensated for minor discomforts. From the turn-off at Kalugamuwa the road ran through coconut estates, rubber, paddy fields and bountiful home gardens. The coconut estates with their under crops, their comfortable brick built homes set in little gardens splashing colorful anthuriams, orchids and bougainvillea, and their the little cadjan sheds at the back for the storing of coconuts, husks, and other by-products, pictured pretty contented living.

If you are keen on visiting the Karagahagedera Ambalama it is best to keep asking the way. The amablama balancing on four rock boulders is as quaint and well positioned as it could ever have been. It stands by the side of the road adjoining the paddy fields on a sheet of rock that dips into a small waterhole on one side. A single Kohomba tree towers on one side while a peculiar mixture of a bo and kohomba make up the scrub on the other side.

Historically the Ambalama of old was an important landmark and a resting place along a travel route. It played a key role and was very much a part of the social structure of the ancients. It was a convenience and comfort to people traveling far; going on pilgrimages or visiting relatives by foot or cart.

As such it is believed that the building of an ambalama was undertaken by villagers on a co-operative basis mostly on the orders of a king or minister. Many believed that it was a meritorious act to provide shelter to the weary traveller and the homeless. It is said that the ambalama also served as a meeting place for the village folk, village elders, gam sabhas, and tax gathering. Or a place where they simply exchanged gossip and talked politics. In Sinhalese literature particularly Sandesa poems like the Gira Sandesaya, Salalihini Sandesaya, Nilakobo Sandesaya which contain descriptions of journeys, make mention of ambalama rests. The Gira Sandesaya, a poem of the mid 15th century describes an ambalama which was situated in the village of Valitota, south of Bentota as such;-

" People gather from various directions and rest here. some of them relate the stories of Rama and Sita.. Some recite poetry in contest with each other. Amongst them are those who commit to memory songs of praise produced in honor of the reigning king. The old people recite quatrains which were composed to praise the virtues of former sovereigns. Foreigners coming from countries such as Cola, Pandya, Gujarat, Tulu coutry, Maharastra, Andhra and Vanga learn the teachings of the Buddha in Sinhalese and recite it. Some challenge each other in solving riddles. There are those who relate the manifold mighty deeds of the king Patrakramabahu VI (AD 1410 -1467)." The above description amply demonstrates the unique purpose of an ambalama of old.

by Kishanie S. Fernando

Daily Mirror, November 07, 2005

Karagahagethera Ambalama Related references