Padiwita Ambalama, Matale

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Google photos - Rangika Halwathura

A building with a history of more than 200 years, Padiwita Ambalama is believed to be a wayside rest used by ancient royalists, and important personals. At the time the main route from Matale to Kandy has been across the paddy field the ambalama is located in. It is also believed that the ambalama was built during the Kandyan Kingdom before British invasions. The ambalama (rest) now is a historical monument in the Matale area. The ambalama was built on top of a platform made out of rocks, and massive wooden beams. The wooden pillars holding the roof have carvings of flowers, lions, and elephants. The rest is still being used by villagers for their meetings and gatherings.