Divisional Secretariat - Anamaduwa

History of Anamaduwa Divisional Secretariat

When we study the historical background of Anamaduwa Divisional Secretariat, the information given to us by rock edicts on Tonigala rock, Paramakanda, ruins at Labugala, Manikkan kanda and Uswewa Khettarama vihaeas besides the wall paintings in Karabewa, Paramakanda and Khettaramaya are many. These informations are solid and very important.

Thonigala rock edict, the longest so far is historically important in this edict, term Paramuka Abhaya and Paramuka Tisa come Paramuka Abhaya is none other thanVattagamini Abhaya (Commonly known as Valagamba) and “Tisha” his adopted son, Mahasilu Mahatis. They donated the tank (Thonigala) and the two towns Achagiri and Thavirikiya.

With epigraphs (rock edicts) it is understood that the history of Anamaduwa goes back to Anuradhapura Period. In Kadayim books (Books giving bounderies) it is said that there had been roads connecting Anuradhapura and Anamaduwa Paramakanda. During the Polonnaruwa Period, Vanniyars from South India had invaded this area, captured and ruled it. Thus, it was and is known as 'Vanniya'

'Bethma' is a word used in cultivation. During the scanty rain-season s, famers cultivate only an agreed portion of their paddy fields. This is to utilise water economically. The word 'Bethma' originated during the Anuradhapura period is being used in this area today too. Thus, it shows that Anamduwa area had being under paddy cultivation since.

The ruins all around the area and wall paintings in existing Viharas is a solid fact to that the peple all around were Buddhists then. During the Kandyan period areas under the throne were demarcated and this are was known as 'Demala Hathpattuwa' later this was termed “Kumara Wanni Palatha”.

The village Thonigala is a very important historical place. There are some evidences in Thonigala epigraph and Paramakanda Rajamaha Vihara, that king Wijaya and Queen Kuweni had spend their last period in Anamaduwa with their children. After defeating Kuweni's relations in the battle king Wijaya fled away leaving Kuweni and children. Then Kuweni had followed Wijaya to stop him. Then Wijaya the king had drawn a line of order on a rock there not to pass it and had flew off. Then Kuweni had cried out loud cursing him waiting there and later that rock was named “Lathonigala” which is at present popular as Thonigala. In some legends it was said Puttalam is the Thambapanni where king Wijaya and his friends landed on. Hence it is belived that there were rehabilitations from the former periods. In the battle between king Dutugemunu and king Elara, the forces of Elephants has marched through this area and in the shed which was put up here the herd of elephants were boarded.

So Tamil invaders have changed sinhala Ethgala as Anei Madam and later it was called as Anamaduwa. According to legends there had been so much tamil invades to this area. Some villages named Periyakulama, Kachchimaduwa, Mellankulama, Galkulama, are some examples for this matter.

Role performed at DS