Kuragala is a 2,000-year-old rock monastery layered with ancient Buddhist Brahmi inscriptions and a centuries-old Islamic shrine tradition, reflecting Sri Lanka's complex, sometimes contested, multi-faith heritage.

Why visit Kuragala Purana Rajamaha Viharaya

• A Site of Layered History: Kuragala holds significance for both Buddhist and Muslim communities — ancient Brahmi inscriptions and monastic caves coexist with the centuries-old Dafter Jailani shrine tradition. The site was the subject of a sensitive, well-documented dispute between the two communities, leading to government intervention in 2013.
• Archaeological Significance and Damage: It is one of Sri Lanka's most significant archaeological sites, with 30-40 rock caves and ruins dating back to the 2nd century BCE. However, its historical integrity was severely compromised by the destruction of inscriptions and the conversion of caves for non-religious purposes.
• Non-Violent Reclamation: The successful return of the site to the Buddhist community after a 50-year struggle was achieved through a non-violent approach led by Venerable Dhammarathana Nayaka Thero, avoiding conflict and disrespecting other religious sentiments.
• Symbolic Revival: The recent revitalization under Venerable Rajakeeya Panditha Wataddara Gnanissara Nayake Thero includes the construction of modern Buddhist structures like a large Buddha statue and a 500-foot staircase. A prominent lion statue was erected to specifically pay tribute to those who worked to save the site from 1971 to 2021.
• Historical Documentation of Conflict: The text details the history of the conflict, from early accounts by Collins (1932) and Gnanawimala Thero (1942, 1967) noting the presence of Muslim pilgrims and the destruction of Buddhist artifacts, to the government's belated intervention in 2013, highlighting how the dispute evolved over decades.