Gal Kanda Temple

Galkanda Aranya Senasanaya, known as Pansalgodella, is located near a small hillock about 15 meters high and about a kilometer long in Kiriibbanwewa South area of Welioya Divisional Secretariat Division, Mullativu. Here there are evidences of an ancient battle with 3 caves and ruined buildings belonging to the early Anuradhapura period.

The cave in the northern direction here is arranged as a two-storied cave. Here, a stone section above the main cave has been set up as another cave. A stone seat has been dug into the floor of the upper cave. A drain is carved into the stone itself to prevent water from flowing into it.

There are 2 cave inscriptions in pre-Brahmi script in the ground cave. It is archaeologically important as it is the only pre-Brahmi script found in the area. Their meaning is as follows.

First article: The cave of Ajariya, the wife of Parumaka Deva
Second letter: Rajakumar Accountant ………………

On the top of the hill to the left of this cave are the remains of a brick building which was completely destroyed by treasure thieves. Based on its location, it is assumed that this is the remains of Dagabak. To the right of the hill are the remains of a path leading to the summit. There is another brick mound at the end of the path and this is also believed to be the remains of Dagabak.

On this ridge with buildings scattered over a large area, the foundations of buildings with old pillar foundations, old tile rings and old stones can be seen in abundance. A small rock about two and a half meters high can be seen from this land and it seems that the surface of the rock has been prepared for some kind of construction. This archaeological site, which has been seized by treasure thieves, can be identified as an early Buddhist monastery in Anuradhapura.

To the north-east of the Galkanda temple is the Kiri Ibbanwewa. Kiriibban Lake Reservoir can be found after traveling 5 km from Welioya on the Mullaitivu road. Covering an area of about 230 acres, this ancient reservoir with a capacity of 2400 acre feet remained in ruins until 2019 and could not be used properly. But under the 2019 Kivul Oya Reservoir Project, this lake will be completely renovated and used for 370 acres of farming activities as well as for drinking water needs.

An ancient buddhist temple with many archaeological monuments and evidences.
Caves, inscriptions, ancient buildings and stupa monuments can be seen in the premises.

“Kumba Karana Malaya” cave at Kiri Ibanwava camp

This place is not visited by many and its behind the Kiri Ibban weva camp. The camp is now not in use but have to obtain permission from main Veli oya camp to travel to site as it’s inside the Kiri Ibban weva camp. Currently there is a sentry guard at the gate. The site at the top of the mountain still has radio link and aerials always alive to tap into any unauthorized radio communication in the area. The spot is where Kumbakarana whilst going to Anuradapura had slept at this cave.

Ruins only. Old caves, a stone bed, cobs and inscriptions are found. Belongs to Anuradhapura period