Piyangala Aranya Senasanaya

Piyangala Aranya Senasanaya or Piyangala Forest Hermitage is an ancient Buddhist temple in Ampara, Sri Lanka. The temple lies on the Ampara – Mahaoya main road, approximately away from the town of Ampara. The temple has been formally recognised by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka.

History

It is believed that this temple was constructed during the pre-Christian era. The site consists of a number of drip ledged caves with Brahmi inscriptions and ruins. A few inscriptions detail the donation of caves by Rajithaa, and a daughter of King Dutugamunu. According to the view of Ellawala Medhananda Thera, these inscriptions are important as they reveal the names of Dutugemunu's queens and children.