Panavitiya Ambalama

According to historical notes, the Panavitiya Ambalama was built in the 18th century and it is believed that it may have stood as a wayside shelter for travellers on the ancient footpath leading from Dambadeniya to Kurunegala and Yapahuwa. It is constructed on a wooden platform on four rounded large stones, one foot in height raised from ground level to prevent damage from termite attacks. The roof is supported by 28 wooden pillars of which nine inner wooden pillars, six inches in height, display ornate carvings and motifs. The nineteen pillars that formed the outer posts were less elaborately carved.

One of the striking features of the Panavitiya Ambalama is a wooden pillar with a carving of entwined cobra hoods. This kind of wood carving is rare in Sri Lanka.

The Ambalama is famed for many finely carved pillars depicting majestic birds. Each pillar has its own individual carving. Besides the wildlife carvings, some pillars are carved with wrestling men, dancing women, musicians, acrobats, persons greeting each other, persons chanting, etc.

The Ambalama itself is the finest living example of Sri Lankan architecture and art showcased in wood. Almost every inch of the wooden structures is decorated with elaborate, intricate carvings on rafters and beam columns. Some of these wooden pillars have been renovated by the Department of Archaeology.

The value of the Panavitiya Ambalama lies in its elaborate carpentry work of beams and pillars. When I entered the Ambalama and observed the carvings, it reminded me of my visit to the Embekke Devale several months ago. Some of the Ambalama’s carvings bear resemblance to the ones at Embekke Devale at Davlagala in Kandy. Having observed the antiquity of the structure, we noticed that it has been repaired and reconstructed over the years. We understood that some of the wooden beams have been replaced in some places.