| Welcome to Tissamaharama |
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The small town of Tissamaharama is, unsurprisingly, About 40km (25 miles) north east of Hambantota,
Tissamaharama (usually referred to by the diminutive Tissa, just as Trincomalee is referred to as Trinco)
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 |
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against Indian invaders in the north. The beautiful tank in Tissa,
the Tissa Wewa, was enlarged in the 2nd century BC. Today, with its remarkable bird life, it provides the scenic
backdrop to the town. The other main feature is the number of ancient dagobas in the area.
Most impressive is the restored Maha Thupa (Great Dagoba), located between Tissa town
centre and the tank.
It is believed to have donated by King Kavantissa in the 2nd century
BC or even earlier and was the largest dagoba in the island at the time. Today, for
Buddhist pilgrims, it is one of the 16 most sacred sites in the country. Nearby stands the
restored Sandagiri Dagoba, together with the remains of a monastery complex. Close to the
road is the Yatala Dagoba with its surrounding 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.
Near this site is a museum
containing some significant archaeological finds from the Ruhunu area. Lastly, there is
the extensively restored Menik Dagoba, which is part of the Menik Raja Maha Vihara. |
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