Sri Lanka - Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara

Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient temple which is among the sixteen holiest Buddhist shrines [Solomathana] in Sri Lanka. It is reachable both from road and sea. Sea route begins at Trincomalee to Muttur on boat and another 16 km by roads. Land route is via Kantalai, to Allai which is approximately 45 km through dense forest. List of Monuments in the complex: Stupa - Origin 2nd Century B.C. - restored in 1920's. Restored Northern entrance - This building has evidence of molded bricks, balustrades, guard stones and moonstones. In addition there is ruined ceremonial gateway with carved stone door frame. Western entrance - Evidences of preliminary stages of stone works in moldings showing exemplary stone jointing methods. Southern entrance - Balustrades with elephant motifs, guard stones and stone door frame etc. Eastern entrance Image house building at the Stupa terrace Sculptured stone lotus Bo tree shrine [Bodhighara] Ancient pond Remains of ancient Chapter House Remains of monasteries Remains of a building on stone pillars Natural stone platform and caves with primitive paintings

Sri Lanka - Ancient Ariyakara Viharaya in the Rajagala Archaeological Reserve

 Ancient Ariyakara Viharaya in the Rajagala Archaeological Reserve is situated in the Ampara district of Eastern Sri Lanka. It is located in a mountain identified as Rajagala which could be approached through Ampara Mahaoya highway near the Rajagala Tenna village. The first identified name of Rajagala is the “Girikumhiilla” depicting the name of Crocodile Mountain as the mountain looks like a lying crocodile to the distance. The monastery was named later as “Grikumhiila Tissa Pabbatha Viharaya” using part of the name of the King Lajjatissa. According to the ancient sources this monastic complex has been build and donated to the monks in between the year 116 – 109 BC. Thereafter it has been identified as Ariyakara Viharaya. Several ancient books have identified this monastery as Ayiyakooti Vihara, Kumbalthispav Ariyakara Vihara, Ghirithimbilathispav Viharayas such or Ariyakara Viharaya.