Tissamaharama is located 264 kilometers from
Colombo in the South Eastern coast of the Island
Paradise Sri Lanka. Although located in the
dry zone and surrounded by the barren, windswept
land of the Hambantota district, Tissamaharama’s
large tank, the Tissa Wewa and others constructed
many years ago, keep this remote rural town
looking lush and green all year round. Historical
monuments like the handful of dagobas and archaeological
remains silently speak of its noble past. You
can reach this destination in 6 hours by private
or hired transport.
Visitors usually just come to use the town’s
good selection of hotels before heading off
to the wilds of Yala West National Park and
the jungle shrine of Kataragama. But it would
be a gross misconception to think of Tissamaharama
as just a stopover town: pause to take in the
sights and learn a little of the magnificent
history of the area.
Tissamaharama was a stronghold for the southern
kings of the ancient Kingdom of Ruhuna, whose
names it is derived from. It is one of the second
most important historical sites in Sri Lanka
behind Anuradhapura, but much of its astonishing
archaeological latent lies undiscovered, hidden
by jungle and scrub. Experts say that if the
Tissamaharama region was to be totally excavated
and conserved, it could be found to be as culturally
and archaeologically rich as Anuradhapura and
Polonnaruwa.
Tissamaharama was the ancient capital of the
province of Ruhunu in the 3rd century BC. It
was the place in the Deep South, where Sinhalese
patriots fled to rally support against Indian
invaders in the north. There are those who regard
Tissamaharama as a mere stepping stone to other
destinations and others who view this delightful
place as a destination in itself. Yet many fail
to notice Tissamaharama for its history, archaeological
ruins, and character than many another southern
Sri Lankan town.
The beautiful tank in Tissamaharama, the Tissa
Wewa, was enlarged in the 2nd century BC. It
is believed that this Wewa is the largest and
oldest of the four artificial tanks in the area,
built at the end of the third century B.C. by
the founder of the Ruhuna Kingdom, Yatala. Today,
with its remarkable bird life, it provides the
scenic backdrop to the town.
The other attractions are the number of ancient
dagobas found in the area. Most striking is
the restored Maha Thupa (Great Dagoba), located
between town centre and the tank which is believed
to have been a donation by King Kavantissa in
the 2nd century BC and the largest dagoba in
the island at that time. Today, for Buddhist
pilgrims, it is one of the 16 most sacred sites
in the country. Nearby this Dagoba stands the
restored Sandagiri Dagoba, together with the
remains of a monastery complex. Close to the
road is the Yatala Dagoba with its adjoining
moat, fine elephant wall, and large moonstone.
There is also a large monolith with scorings
on one face that are believed to have been made
by chains used to tether royal elephants. Also
nearer to this site you will find a museum containing
some significant archaeological finds from the
Ruhunu area and lastly, the expansively restored
Menik Dagoba, which is part of the Menik Raja
Maha Vihara.
On arriving in Tissa two features will automatically
catch your eye; a huge expanse of water and
a bright white dagoba. Visibly, these monuments,
and the other dagobas, appear to be the only
evidence of the former opulence of this town,
but looking closer
Set in the midst of all these ancient monuments
of the past is the quiet and friendly town of
Tissamaharama surrounded by bright green paddy
fields. Many Land Rovers and Jeeps wait for
safari business on the banks of the Tissa Wewa
whilst during weekends the tanks become swimming
and washing places for locals. You can buy fish
around the tank and many varieties of snacks.
It is a relaxed and charming place that hides
its secrets well!
