Kotte Kingdom Ramparts & Archaeological Ruins
Verification: in review · Coordinates: unverified
What is this site?
Remnants of the medieval moated fortress capital constructed of cut laterite (Kabook) blocks, including the inner ramparts, royal tomb, and canal defense systems.
Why it matters
The capital city during the golden age of medieval Sinhala poetry (Sandesha Kavya) under King Parakramabahu VI.
Description
Engineered around 1370 by Minister Alagakkonara amidst the wetlands of the Diyawanna Oya to repel invasions from the Arya Chakravarti of Jaffna. Associated patrons (as supplied): Nissanka Alagakkonara, King Parakramabahu VI. Key features to look for: Excavated cut-laterite (Kabook) stone rampart walls at Ethul Kotte; Stone tomb complex historically attributed to Alakeshwara; Ancient canal locks connecting to the Kelani River basin; Artifact collection in the Kotte Archaeological Museum.
Photos
No rights-cleared photographs yet.
Historical and scholarly sources
- Reference as supplied in project dataset (pending verification): Gazette No. 1486 (2007-02-23)
Visiting responsibly
Dress modestly at religious sites, remove shoes and hats where requested, never climb on monuments or pose with your back to Buddha images, and follow guidance from custodians and the Department of Archaeology.