Angampora is an ancient martial art that originated in Sri Lanka over 5,000 years ago. It was developed as a means of self-defense and played a key role in defending Sri Lanka from foreign invaders for centuries. However, during British colonial rule in the 18th-19th centuries, Angampora was banned and its masters were persecuted in an attempt to suppress the practice. While it nearly died out, some masters kept the techniques secret and it has seen a revival in recent decades.

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Angampora: Reviving an ancient martial art
Precision hand strikes coupled with swift foot movements and defiant chants are all
part of an ancient combat tradition of Sri Lanka. Over the past decade, there has been
a steady rise and great interest in the form of fighting known as Angampora. It is a
lifestyle that was part of our rich heritage for centuries. Its robust adherents displayed
a lifetime of fidelity to this martial art that incorporated combat strikes, meditation,
ayurvedha and a respectful bonding with ones teacher (guru).
The term ‘Angampora’ is derived from two words in Sinhalese- anga meaning body
and pora meaning to attack (fight). During the glorious and prosperous rule of Sri
Lankan kings, this martial art focused on three segments- angampora (unarmed
hand-to-hand combat), elangampora (weapons) and maya angam (use of
incantations to repulse an enemy). The ancient chronicle Varga Purnikawa has
recorded that the fighting technique was taught by nine hermits. Angampora
incorporates a system of locks and grips, strikes and blocks (18 defensive strikes)
and nerve point attacks which often leaves the enemy paralyzed.
Centuries ago, angampora had played a vital role in the strategic defence of our
nation, which might come as a surprise to some who are accustomed to reading about
combat with modern firearms. During the reign of King Bhuvanekabahu VI of Kotte,
certain areas of Sri Lanka were under attack from the Portuguese, who had already
arrived on the island.
History reveals that King Bhuvanekabahu had a team of expert angampora warriors
within his combined army of about 4,000 soldiers. There was an important battle
that took place at Mulleriyawa in 1562. The Portuguese under the command of Major
Jorge Menezes were hoping to mount an attack on the large stockade at Mapitigama,
from the southern side of the Kelani River.
When the king got wind of the impending attack, he divided his troops into three
sections, with his son leading the main strike force with cavalry troops. Elephants
were also used in this attack. The brave soldiers of Sitawaka stormed directly into
the wooded area and the Portuguese opened fire. But they didn’t have time to reload
their muskets (a long muzzle loading gun). It was then that our angampora fighters
jumped into action, beating up the bewildered Portuguese who had probably not seen
this form of swift unarmed combat. The foreigners fled with heavy casualties. By
1815, the British gradually wielded their influence over most of Ceylon. Before this,

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our angampora warriors had managed to inflict pain and death on the invading
British, by putting up pockets of resistance to British platoons. Subsequently,
Governor Robert Brownrigg realized the threat to his troops from this martial art,
and sent out a decree whereby angampora masters were located and shot in the knee,
making them disabled. Moreover it was a deep insult to their honour in society.
During 1817, the Governor banned the use and learning of angampora. A gazette
notice was published bringing the ban into full effect. Shortly, angam madu (training
halls) were abandoned. The British assumed that this would put an end to the practice
of this feared art. However, Sri Lankans being a resilient people practised in secret
and sustained this art in remote villages. Angampora was taught by two main clans
Sudaliya and Maruwalliya. In 1948, after the British were compelled to leave our
island, the martial art made its resurgence from Beligala Korale, in Kegalle.
One of the present-day masters of this fighting lineage is Piumal Edirisinghe. A
practitioner of the art for 25 years, Piumal learnt the basics from his late grandfather.
He explained, “I developed an interest in angampora as a child. My maternal
grandfather was a famous ayurvedha practitioner named Mudalihamy Warnasuriya.
He taught me when I was 12 years old. Since then I studied under many famous
masters including Premasiri Malimbadaarachchi, Athula and Charles Warnasuriya,
Wickremesinghe and Karunapala.”
“Angampora is not just a martial art. It is a lifestyle. In the ancient days, aspiring
students offered fruits and betel leaves along with their horoscope to the master. The
master would observe their body language and character. They would then check the
student’s horoscope and only if satisfied, enlist them for training. The apprentice
would commence his or her training with the lighting of three oil lamps. The student
stayed at the residence of the master and did chores for him. Today, we live in
modern times. We don’t focus much on horoscopes. But we seriously check each
student’s character which is tested during the first three months of training.
Honesty, compassion, endurance and a friendly disposition are key qualities we look
for. In times gone by, an oath was sworn with seven points emphasizing that the
student must complete training, use the skill for self-defence only, be humble and
discreet, not use it to gain wealth, and be willing to serve the country when required.”
We can assume that unarmed fighting techniques, later supplemented by bladed
weapons originated in South East Asian countries. Our neighbor India has many

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ancient forms of martial arts. Silambam is a swift fighting style. Varma Kalai is
another form combining yoga and martial arts. Kalari is the feared fighting style of
Kerala, with its famous Chekavar warriors. The Sikhs of Punjab practised Gatka, a
combat art using wooden staffs.
Angampora training has an assortment of exercises focusing on strengthening the
tendons and on spiritual purity. After two years of training in unarmed combat, the
student is given his first weapon - a long staff. Practising with the staff improves
foot movement and agility. The student is then given a basic blade weapon like a
sword. In ancient times, it was said that the angampora fighter learnt to use 64
weapons, which included 32 types of swords. One can imagine the time and
commitment to such a lifetime of learning.
A fighter would have to have excellent stamina to rapidly wield such heavy weapons.
Our ancient warriors ate a healthy kurakkan based diet with many vegetables. They
occasionally drank some kitul toddy. Eating certain meats was prohibited to students
in ancient times.
At present most masters in Sri Lanka teach within a range of 21 weapons, with focus
on seven main weapons. These are the staff, sword, dagger, axe, mace, belt sword
and spear. It will take a lifetime of training to master all 21 weapons. During the
bygone centuries making a sword was taken seriously by the blacksmith. Once
completed it is believed that a king’s sword was washed in milk and the combatant’s
sword washed in the blood of an animal. It was a symbolic gesture.
In angampora there are no belt systems or badges of proficiency. After many years
of demanding training (usually 12 years) the faithful student graduates with the title
of praveena- a qualified exponent of angampora. This ceremony of achievement
known as a helankada mangalaya is the apex moment of the fully fledged fighter.
Over the past few years members of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces have taken a keen
interest to learn and sustain this art. Foreign tourists have also been beguiled by
angampora displays at cultural events. Hopefully, the combat form of angampora
will live on for decades to come.

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ANGAMPORASRI LANKA'S UNIQUE ART OF
COMBAT
Angampora is a uniquely Sri Lankan art of fighting, created thousands of years
ago by the island’s early inhabitants to protect their communities and
eventually the sovereignty of the nation.
Harking back to the days of yore, Sri Lanka has been a paradise island rich in natural
resources, fertile land, as well as tradable commodities. The natural splendour of the
island is what drew many from far and wide to its shores throughout history. As the
nation began to attract the attention of outsiders who recognized the potential of the
land, the natives found themselves having to defend their territories and communities
from foreign aggressors, in addition to fighting internal squabbles and disputes.
Naturally, the need arose for a local form of tactical combat which would give the
islanders the upper hand. This art of combat lived on for centuries, helping the people
of Lanka to protect the sovereignty of the nation, until the period of British Ceylon,
when it was banned and prohibited from being practiced or passed on to younger
generations.
Here is the story of Angampora – a uniquely Sri Lankan practice, that has just
recently come to the forefront and garnered the interest and attention of those
within the island as well as afar…
IN THE BEGINNING
Angampora, an ancient martial art that originated in Sri Lanka, has an intriguing and
tumultuous history. Literally translating to ‘fighting with the body’, it was a unique
art practiced by the natives of the island for thousands of years.
There are many versions of how Angampora came to be, since it was never officially
documented, but passed down from generation to generation. However, there are a
few chronicles that shed light on the possible origins of the practice.
Insight gained from ancient texts such as the Ramayana lead us to believe that
the fighting technique of Angampora dates back at least 5,000 years to the time
when the Raksha King Ravana reigned in Lanka.
It is believed that the king himself was a master practitioner of Angampora, and that
he used it during the battle against Prince Rama of India. What made the practice of
Angampora so unique at the time was the belief that the king developed not only

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ways of inflicting death on his opponent through a series of strikes, but also knew
how to heal his soldiers through pressure point strikes. The latter has been
incorporated into the ancient art of Ayurveda healing.
There is reason to believe that prior to the great war between Ravana and Rama, the
king of Lanka even took Rama’s brother, Lakshmana, under his wing and trained
him in the art of Angampora. This could even be one of the reasons that Rama and
Lakshmana eventually succeeded in defeating Ravana.
Another iteration of the origins of Angampora is that it was perfected by the Yakkha
tribe, about 3,000 years ago, and was used solely for self-defence when they were
threatened by foreign invaders and other tribes.
In addition to these schools of thought, some present-day practitioners of the art
believe that Angampora was devised by prehistoric men who lived on the island to
protect themselves against predatory animals.
THE ART OF ANGAMPORA
What is popularly known as Angampora today, is actually just one part of a complete
martial art that encompasses hand-to-hand combat (Angampora), wielding of
weapons (Ilangampora), and shamanism (Maya Angam). All three elements are
referred to as ‘Angam Satan Kala’ as a whole (translated as ‘the fighting art of
Angam’).
Angampora is an art of hand-to hand combat that incorporates defensive and
offensive strikes, along with intricate grapples that cause the opponent immense
pain or pins them down. Many of these techniques utilize a series of intricate foot
movements.
There are four particular techniques that require years of practice – Guti Harammba
(striking techniques), Gata Harammba (locking and gripping techniques), Pora
Harammba (takedowns and wrestling techniques), and Maru Kala (techniques that
strike the pressure points of the body with the intention to kill).
Ilangampora is much more aggressive in that it requires the practitioner to bear
several weapons. According to tradition, Ilangampora incorporates the use of 32
weapons, of which, the sword, the long stick, the mace and the battle axe are key.
The third practice is called Maya Angam, and is an art form that uses incantations
and black magic to inflict harm upon an enemy. Although this has been documented

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in ancient texts such as the Mahavamsa, and is believed to have been used widely
by the masters of old, presently there are no known practitioners.
Angampora is not just an art of self-defence, but is in fact a way of life, as it
incorporates meditation and is only taught to pupils willing to accept seven
oaths (Diwurum Hatha). These oaths are the stringent parameters that pupils must
follow if they are to become senior practitioners (Jeshta Abhyasee).
ANGAMPORA – THE MILITARY TECHNIQUE
From its supposed inception 5,000 years ago during the reign of King Ravana,
Angampora was heavily incorporated into military tactics, and used in various
battles that determined the fate of the nation, even as late as the 19th century.
Throughout its use as a primary martial art in the days of old, many families who
were adept in the technique were given special distinction by the ancient kings of
Lanka. Warriors who used techniques of Angam played a key role in many historic
battles. The Ten Great Giants (called the Dasa Maha Yodayo), are considered
to be the best practitioners of all forms of Angampora during the 2nd century
BC.
The art of Angampora persisted even through the turbulent colonial times of the
Portuguese and the Dutch, with native warriors who fought the Europeans using
Angampora techniques in guerrilla warfare. The Sinhalese famously defeated the
Portuguese at the Battle of Mulleriyawa during the mid-16th century, where
many Angam fighters succeeded in decimating the Portuguese army.
THE BAN ON ANGAMPORA
It was during the British colonial era that Angampora almost went extinct in Sri
Lanka. The colonials realized that the natives were using the art of Angam, coupled
with guerrilla tactics to overcome British forces. Although it eventually failed, the
Uva-Wellassa uprising of 1817-18 put fear into the hearts of the Brits, and they took
steps to curb the threats they were facing from the natives. The Governor of Ceylon
at the time, Robert Brownrigg, banned the practice and teaching of
Angampora, set fire to Angam training centres and ordered soldiers to shoot in
the knee and cripple the masters of Angam so that they couldn’t pass it down
to younger generations.
A few masters escaped the persecution of the colonizers and went into hiding,
practicing and teaching Angampora to their sons and other youngsters in secret. The
ban on Angampora in Sri Lanka was only lifted in 2019. What has survived in secret

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today is but a fraction of the glorious art of Angampora that once protected the
people of this land.

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THE FATE OF ANGAMPORA
The country’s past has been marked by major battles, where brave native
warriors fought a variety of invading forces and defended the land and its
people.
Ancient chronicles such as the Mahavamsa, Thupavamsa, Rajavaliya, Dipavamsa,
Ramayana, and more recent accounts of incidents that took place in colonial Sri
Lanka, indicate that Angampora combat techniques were one of the key reasons for
the success of the local warriors in battle.
The popular belief is that Angampora was a martial art originally developed by early
humans who inhabited the island to protect their territories from outside forces and
predators. It is believed to have eventually become a form of combat utilized by the
ancient kings, their armies and independent warriors to defend the sovereignty of the
nation. We’ve explored some of the key battles fought using Angampora tactics
below.
THE BATTLE OF VIJITHAPURA
Considered to be one of the most iconic battles in Sri Lankan history, the Battle of
Vijithapura was fought to thwart the mighty army of the Chola King Elara. In the
2nd century BC the Kingdom of Anuradhapura had fallen into the hands of King
Elara of India.
Although Elara was considered to be a just ruler, the people of the island wanted a
king who had a legitimate claim to the throne. In the Kingdom of Ruhuna, which lay
to the south of Anuradhapura, lived young Prince Dutugemunu who resented the
foreign ruler. Determined to unite the land under a Sinhala monarchy, the prince
challenged Elara for the throne.
Dutugemunu’s father, King Kavantissa of Ruhuna, had recruited a number of highly
skilled combatants and created a formidable army in anticipation of the war to oust
the Chola usurper. According to the Mahavamsa, this army was led by ten generals
– the legendary Dasa Maha Yodhayo (ten great giants). Depicted as men of
unusually large stature, these generals possessed immense strength and tactical
prowess.
The Dasa Maha Yodhayo, namely Nandimithra, Suranimala, Gotaimbara,
Theraputthabhya, Mahabharana, Velusumana, Khanjadeva, Phussadeva,
Labhiyavasabha, and Mahasona are believed to have been masters of the

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uniquely local martial art Angampora, which gave them an advantage over the
enemy. From hand-to-hand to combat to armed combat to cavalry charges,
each general tactically planned out the attack on Elara’s Vijithapura fortress.
Charging towards all four gates of the fortress, the generals of the Ruhuna
army led their cavalry with great distinction even though a number of soldiers
fell at the hands of Elara’s archers. With Dutugemunu leading from the front,
the Ruhuna army finally broke into the fortress.
Velusumana, was so skilled in combat that he was able to knock down Elara’s
soldiers with ease while on horseback. He led a cavalry charge to the eastern gate of
the fortress, a heroic action which ultimately forced the army of the Indian king into
the fortress.
With the withdrawal of Elara’s army, and the capture of the Vijithapura fortress,
Dutugemunu’s army drove further into the heart of Anuradhapura and defeated King
Elara in single combat. The island was finally united under King Dutugemunu.
To this day, the gallant efforts of King Dutugemunu, along with the Dasa Maha
Yodhayo are spoken of as a great example of how the magnificent warriors of old
protected the sovereignty of the land.
THE BATTLE OF MULLERIYAWA
Fast forward to 1559 AD, and the island of Lanka, for the first time, was under attack
by European forces. In 1505, the Portuguese established their presence in Colombo
by befriending the local King Bhuvenakabahu VII of Kotte. The main reason the
king accepted the presence of the Portuguese was due to the threat posed by his
youngest brother, King Mayadunne, who was vying to annex the Kotte Kingdom
along with his domains of Raigama and Sitawaka. The king of Kotte, desperate to
retain control of his domain, accepted assistance from the Portuguese.
The Portuguese, who now controlled parts of coastal Lanka, used this as an
opportunity to infiltrate the hill country of the island, which would then give them
complete control of the island. The Portuguese forces moved inland and made their
way towards the central kingdom.
With the Portuguese employing the experience of Jorge De Menezes, the objective
was to go inland through the Kelani River and capture the Mapitigama stockade
which was vital to the Kingdom of Sitawaka. Tikiri Bandara, the son of King
Mayadunne, learned about this plan and alerted the king.

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The king dispatched Tikiri Bandara to garner support from the locals to fight the
hostile Portuguese forces. Venturing to the villages of Aturugiri, Hewagama,
Koratota, and Hokandara, he was successful in recruiting a number of villagers, who
were masters in the art of Angam.
Come the first day of the Battle of Mulleriyawa, the Portuguese were well prepared
for battle, and managed to best the local fighters. However, it was on the second day
that the Sitawakans, along with the militias, were successful in completely defeating
the Portuguese. They utilized a flanking manoeuvre which blocked the retreat of the
Portuguese, annihilating the entire regiment.
It is believed that the Portuguese forces were taken by surprise by the guerrilla
tactics used by the militias combined with the highly effective Angampora
combat techniques. Even the powerful muskets of the Portuguese could not
match the agile movements of the local Angam warriors.
The victory resulted in the families of the militia obtaining high ranks in the King’s
court. One of the families who fought in the battle was gifted the sword of Tikiri
Bandara, who went on to become King Rajasinghe I. The sword is still guarded by
the Koratota family, whom it was gifted to.
THE UVA-WELLASA UPRISING OF 1817-18
Considered to be the first fight for independence from the British, the Uva-Wellassa
Rebellion of 1817-18 is also possibly the last time that Angampora was used as a
combat technique in battle.
It all began with the appointment of a British puppet Muhandiram Haji Marikkar to
administrate the Wellassa region. The reason for such an appointment was to
undermine the local leader Millewa Dissawa, and to assert the authority of the
British. The appointment led to uproars from the people of the Uva-Wellassa area,
which eventually translated into small skirmishes against British authority.
The British, in an attempt to silence the uprising and assert their dominance over the
people of Uva and Wellassa, sent local noble Keppetipola Disawe to quell the
uprising. In a surprising turn of events, the man who was sent to silence the uprising
became the very man to lead the rebels. Although a quick replacement was
dispatched, the British faced many casualties and setbacks due to the unpredictable
guerrilla attacks employed by the rebels. The rebellion, which lasted from 1817 to
1818 eventually failed and the leaders were executed or exiled.
British Governor Robert Brownrigg realized the threat posed by Angam

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combat techniques, and issued a decree to ban Angampora. Those who defied
the ban were punished, with some practitioners being shot in the knees to
prevent them from passing on Angampora to younger generations.
For almost 200 years, Angampora remained in the shadows, being taught in secret
and being incorporated into certain traditional dance forms to ensure its
survival. The ban was finally lifted by the Sri Lankan Government in 2018/19, and
what remains of the ancient art form was brought into the spotlight.
Today, apart from being taught to a select group of individuals as a martial art,
Angampora techniques are also taught to segments of the Sri Lankan security forces
in combat training. The people of the island have a sense of pride in the fact that this
ancient martial art and combat technique, which is unique to Sri Lanka, was
preserved throughout the centuries so that it can now be shared with the world.

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Angampora, the forgotten art of Sri Lanka
Angampora, the once glorious tradition of martial arts in Sri Lanka, with fierce
fighters whose strength and actions were subtly controlled by the influence of
Buddhism, fought next to the kings in battles as they thought it was their duty. It is
of many layers that go beyond the fighting techniques that meet the eye, that many
consider to be a philosophy, having Buddhism as the cornerstone of the tradition.
Having a British ban imposed on angampora since 1818, the fighters resort to
secrecy to pass on this ancient tradition, making it a well kept secret in Sri Lanka
that most people are not privy to.
“But, it has always been a part and parcel of our culture, hence, angampora has a
mighty cultural value,” said, Ajantha Mahantharachchi, a traditional angampora
fighter, who learnt the art from his father, and who is now trying to protect the
tradition and raise awareness about it. In addition to being a traditional fighter,
Mahantharachchi has also conducted extensive research on this tradition,
academically, as well as practically, and has around 20 students studying under him.
He also teaches the fighting elements of angampora to the Sri Lanka military, for
about 14 years now. “We always used angampora in wars, including the last war we
fought,” he said. There is a different process to select candidates to study this art.
Mahantharachchi said, they check the horoscopes and other vetting ways practised
by their forefathers, and select a chosen few to teach all the elements of the
angampora tradition.
Coupled with scientific methods of physicality, mind and spirituality, angampora
has been the strength of Sri Lanka, where both men and women engaged in it.
Mahantharachchi spoke of a 50 year old lady studying this art, who tosses male
opponents, even when she is attired in the Kandyan saree. He hailed these female
fighters, past and present, who guided the next generation into the tradition of
angampora. “These fighters never retired. They only got better with time,” he said.
And it was the influence of religion that kept these fighters under control. Meditating
and other elements in angampora that comes from the Buddhist background kept the
fighters in check, and prevented the art from being misused.
Mahantharachchi is, however, on a mission; a mission to remove the ban imposed
on angampora by the British, who tasted its bitter strength during the 1818 Wellassa

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uprising. Though the ban is not valid anymore, removing it would mean restoring
the honour and respect it once enjoyed, to practice, and teach it freely, raise
awareness about it and preserve it for the generations to come.
Survival techniques
On October 6, 1818, Governor Robert Brownrigg banned the angampora tradition,
after the Wellassa uprising. Mahantharachchi refers to the documents he has
retrieved from the National Achieves in UK, as there isn’t any documentary
evidence in Sri Lanka regarding the banning of angampora. Subsequently, Ilangam
Madu, centres around the country that taught angampora, were burnt and the fighters
and trainers of angampora were punished and some even banished from the country.
These punishments included shooting the fighters below the knee to prevent them
from fighting again, or teaching anyone.
Mahantharachchi explains that in this confused state, the trainers who escaped
punishment, sought ways to protect the tradition, and as a result, included its
elements to traditional dancing. For example, there is a dancing item in Kandyan
dancing called ‘Yak Enuma’ which is similar to angampora fighting items. Dancing
techniques such as, ‘Malakkama’, ‘Bambara’ in Low Country dancing are also
features taken from the angampora tradition. Some dancing items such as, ‘Koti
Netuma’ (Tiger Dancing) is the exact angampora fighting element, incorporated into
traditional dancing.
Historic evidence
However, the caste system was heavily attached to dancing traditions during this
period, and Mahantharachchi said, some traditional fighters refused to support this
merge with dancing, and resorted to teach angampora only to their children, in secret,
to preserve the tradition in its purest sense. Thus it prevailed, until it was revived by
the teledrama, ‘Dandubasnamanaya’.
The important as well as the unusual aspect of the angampora tradition compared to
other traditional martial arts in the world is that there is ample evidence spread across
history to prove its existence and the changes it underwent.

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These historic evidences of angampora stretches beyond the Anuradhapura era,
where many writings and carvings on temple walls can be seen related to this
fighting tradition.
“The ‘Poornika Grantha’ has records of angampora fights since the days of Ravana,
dating back to 5,000 years, and the Mahawansa refers to many instances of
angampora fights, e.g. in the Elara - Dutugemunu war, and other books such as,
‘Dambadeni Asna’ and ‘Kandavuru Siritha’ also have references to angampora,”
Mahantharachchi said. Jurgen Anderson, a Dutch sergeant who was posted in Sri
Lanka in 1669 wrote that angam fighters would spin over the first in line, and slit
the throat of the tenth of the opposite army, attacking everyone in between. Famous
archeologist H.C.P. Bell wrote about Ededawawala Kumarihamy, who held a
position of District Head during King Rajasinghe’s time in Seethawala Era, and
knew and engaged in angampora fighting tradition.
These evidences make angampora one of the most documented martial arts traditions
in the world, though it is not being recognized as one in Sri Lanka or globally. The
‘Sinha Pokuna’ of Mihinthale has many carvings of angampora fighters in fighting
postures which proves it was already an established fighting tradition in the
Anuradhapura Era. Mahantharachchi described a funeral tradition in the
Anuradhapura era where, when a fighter dies, a stone is placed on where he was
buried with a description of his death carved on the stone. The Anuradhapura
museum has such stones describing angampora fighters.
A specific stone describes a fighter who continued to fight though arrows had already
pierced his chest and legs, crying out the physical and mental strength of the fighters
long before Hollywood. However, as the closest kingdom to modern-day, Kandy
carries most of the evidences of the angampora tradition. Mahantharachchi said, the
Sri Dalada Maligawa carries around 12 carvings of angam fighters, and many more
can be seen in the Embekke Devalaya and Degaldoruwa Temple.
Sri Vishnu temple at Hanguranketha which is over 600 years old has a 30 feet long
cloth that had been used as a ceiling, which has images depicting various angampora
fighting postures. “I have discovered around 700 such carvings,” he added.

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This tradition of martial arts underwent changes depending on the foreign invasions
the country experienced. Initially, it was used to hold the country’s defences against
Indian invaders. But, after the Portuguese invasion, the angampora tradition changed
to suit the new technology the invaders brought with them.
Angampora fighters had two main challenges against the Portuguese; one is guns,
second is the body armor of Portuguese soldiers. Mahantharachchi said, historic
evidence as well as folk stories say that the fighters used enchanted talismans known
as ‘suraya’ as protection against guns, and new techniques of pinning the opponent
to the ground were introduced to be used in instances where the opponent carried a
gun. Angampora fighters didn’t wear armours as it prevented them from using their
arms freely to fight. But, a new, sharp knife became part of the traditional angampora
attire, a knife that could pierce the body armour. The archerers came up with new
arrows that could pierce the armors or give them strategic advantage in a fight
despite body armours.
And the ‘Ilangankara’ group was established, known as the ninja group, trained
specifically during the Seethawaka era to penetrate into Portuguese forts and attack
from inside. They were given training on martial arts, sword fighting, poison and the
art of disguising themselves. Thus angampora advanced in their war techniques
during the Seethawaka era.
Modern day relevance
Mahantharachchi believes that certain elements in the angampora tradition can easily
be adapted into the school syllabuses, such as meditations and basic exercises. These
meditations and exercises can be helpful in increasing memory capacity and the
mental strength of youngsters, he said, which could increase the immune system too.
“Without engaging in the exercises the West has introduced to us to teach our kids
during PE, why can’t we make use of our own tradition?” he questioned.
Cultural tradition
Being a cultural tradition, angampora is yet to make it to the performance stage along
with the traditional dancing in Sri Lanka. While continuing to use traditional
dancing, the Tourism Industry could make use of the traditional martial arts as well,
to promote the country, like the Japanese have done with Samurais, he added. “We

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have an ancient tradition of martial arts, with an ancient history that goes beyond
Samurais, but we haven’t made use of it to promote the art, or the country.”
To preserve angampora, it is important to give it professional status within the
country, create a platform for it to be performed for audiences, and bring it to a level
that it could self-sustain. “In this money centered society, these traditions will die if
they are not supported by the State and given the opportunity to self-sustain.” There
needs to be an appropriate way of registering these fighters and supporting them to
preserve this thousands of year old tradition.
It will be ideal to have a separate museum for angampora, Mahantharachchi added.

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Angampora; defining Sri Lankan identity
Angampora is a form of unorthodox martial art that originated in Sri Lanka.
The name; Angampora is derived from the two words “anga” and “pora” which
technically means body and wrestle respectively, which translates to unarmed
combat.
Angampora is divided into three main categories; Angam, unarmed combat,
Illangam, armed combat which was based on mastering twenty-one indigenous
weapons(which is believed to be impossible to properly master in a lifetime)
and finally Mayangam; use of spells which is now lost with time. The key
feature of Angampora is the attack on pressure points of the human body to
inflict serious pain or paralyze permanently, which sometimes even results in
death if intended.
It is a known fact that Angampora was centred around the Buddhist philosophy
as the martial art focuses on “disarming the assailant rather than provoking
aggression”. Angampora was passed down from generations of kings, warriors
and ordinary citizens with the intention of repelling foreign invaders.
History
According to the guru, Piyumal Edirisinghe, the origin of Angampora might
even date back to 3300 years. The first written evidence of Angampora is about
2 500 years old. Other sources state that Angampora was founded by ancient
Yaksha tribe that inhabited Sri Lanka 3,000 years ago while folklore believes

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that Rana Ravana was the most feared angam warrior to walk the earth 5000
years ago. Apparently, multiple contradictory sources obscure the time period
of its true origin.
During the medieval period of Sri Lanka, it is believed that Bhuvanekabahu VI
of Kotte was assisted by warriors who mastered Angam in his quest to conquer
the Jaffna kingdom. During the reign of Mayadunne two schools to master
Angam were established; Maruwalliya and Sudhaliya.
Following the colonial occupation of the island, locals practised angam to
resist the invaders. The British administration banned Angampora in 1818 “due
to the dangers posed by a civilian population well versed in a martial art.”
Violation of the law was punished by a gunshot to the knee crippling the
practitioner. However, Angampora was kept alive by a few brave families.
Evolution; Different wars, Different tactics
The martial art underwent changes based on diverse foreign invasions the
country experienced during the course of history. Initially, it was used to battle
the Indian invaders. Following the Portuguese invasion, Angampora had to
adapt in order to succeed against the new technology and tactics invaders
brought with them.
The Portuguese carried guns and wore thick body armour. Historic evidence
and folklore noted that the fighters used enchanted talismans known as ‘suraya’

19. 19
to deflect bullets, and a new move to pin an opponent to the ground was
introduced to render any weapon wielding enemy harmless. Additionally,
Angampora fighters began to arm themselves with knives to pierce the
Portuguese body armour. The archers added new arrows to their quivers which
could pierce the armours.
More importantly, the ‘Ilangankara’ group was formed as an elite squad during
the Seethawaka era to penetrate the Portuguese forts and dismantle, sabotage
and attack within the fort. They were experts in poison and the art of disguise.
Global recognition
Between the years, the news of this formidable martial art was not contained
and the west was drawn into Angampora. Christoph Hoffman from Germany
combed the globe studying several martial art disciplines for five years when
he heard about Angampora. He noted that he wanted something “pristine”
compared to other martial arts he had studied and he decided to come to Sri
Lanka. He added that unlike many other martial arts, Angampora needs
spiritual balance as much as the physical balance. For an avid martial art
enthusiast, he admits that gripping and throwing techniques are “effective” in
Angam than any other martial art he knows.

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Revival of the glorious traditional art
This long forgotten martial art was revived on several occasions through
media. It is an insult if Jayantha Chandrasiri’s “Dandubasnamanya” and
“Akala Sandya” were not mentioned in any article related to Angampora. Both
TV shows took the viewers by storm in the late ’90s as the audience was never
open to a teledrama of this calibre and were amazed to witness the existence
of a profound traditional martial art in Sri Lanka. Undisputably a sense of pride
crept into every Sri Lankan’s heart at the time. The documentary, Angam; The
story untold by Marlin Jayakody made a significant impact on the public in the
recent past. Special Task Force member, U.D.D Sampath’s display of
Angampora in Sri Lanka’s Got Talent reality programme was able to provoke
curiosity among millennials.
It is high time authorities implement programmes to promote this formidable
yet invaluable martial art among Sri Lankans with the legalization of
Angampora.
Few basic techniques prioritized with meditation could replace the allocated
Physical Education period in schools. Meditation sessions would benefit
students who undergo stress due to the monotonous classroom-based education
system which has lasted more than 50 years in Sri Lanka.
In a backdrop where sexual molesters are abundant in Sri Lanka teaching both
girls and boys, especially girls, from a young age to defend themselves with

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Angam could turn another page in Sri Lankan history. It easy to assume that
anyone who tries something foul with Angam student, Nilmini Amarasingha
would not leave physically well at the end of the day. Wouldn’t it be exciting
to see that, women of our proud nation being able to defend themselves at the
hand of an atrocity?
Economic experts stress that Sri Lanka is a country which could be developed
through a single industry itself; tourism. Therefore, responsible officials could
establish a unique identity to Sri Lanka by promoting Angampora
internationally, making it an additional reason for tourists all around the globe
to visit Sri Lanka. As far as anyone is concerned, it is rare to inherit a
traditional martial which is more than a couple of thousands of years old.
One could easily argue, sophisticated Angampora villages across the country
can achieve two birds with one stone; locations to master Angam and as tourist
destinations for tourists to study, observe and participate in this unconventional
art form of fighting.

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Angampora-Ancient Martial
Angampora is an ancient martial art form practiced in Sri Lanka since thousands of
years ago. It receives its name from the angam arts which involve hand-to-hand
combat forms; and the ilangam arts which incorporate traditional weaponry such as
the Urumi (ethunu kaduwa), swords, battle axes, staves, daggers and maces.
Origins and History
 According to legend this martial art form originated almost 30,000 years ago
from the Yaksha tribe; one of the ancient tribes that inhabited the island.
 However, the two ancient scripts, Varga Purnikawa and Pancha Rakkhawaliya,
mention that it originated even earlier from the efforts of nine hermits. The
legends also say that the most famous expert of this art was Rana Ravana, a
mythical warrior said to have lived 5,000 years ago.
 Another story speaks of a heroine named Menike or Disapathiniya who lived in
the medieval era and dressed as a male to get revenge on her father’s murder.
She defeated the murderer using Angampora techniques in a deep pit known as
an ura linda or ‘pig’s pit’. Her success led to an increase in the fame
surrounding the martial art; and which in turn led to its survival.
 Either way, it indeed fact that it was used in wars for almost two millennia as
confirmed by historic evidence presented in carvings from various ancient
temples such as the Embekke Devalaya, The temple of the Tooth, etc; and many
historic scripts.
 According to the scripts this martial art form was used by fighters in the army
of King Bhuvanekavahu VI when he conquered the Jaffna Kingdom; and those
in the army of Mayadunne of Sitawaka during the 1562 battle of Mulleriyawa.
 During its peak Angampora was practiced by two major schools, the
Maruwalliya and Sudhaliya, who routinely fought each other in the presence of
the king. The fighters practiced in huts known as angam madu; which were built
according to the concepts of Gebim Shasthraya, the traditional philosophical
system of architecture
 However, the art later went through a decline; almost disappearing during the
colonial era. The main reason for this was that Angampora was highly feared
by the British during their invasion. They took extreme measures against this
martial art; prohibiting the art form, burning all the practice huts that they found,
and shooting the kneecaps of the existing practitioners to maim them.

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 Despite their efforts, Angampora survived and resurfaced after the end of the
British rule in 1948. The Jathika Hela Angam Shilpa Kala Sangamaya, the
highest governing body of the art today, was established in 2001. Angampora
continues to flourish today in modern times.
The Combat Method
The combat techniques of Angampora include locks and grips, strikes and blocks,
and most especially pressure point attacks that can cause pain or even permanent
paralysis. There are also self-defense techniques, sport, exercise and meditation
techniques which can be learned. It is believed that there was also a some secretive
Angampora techniques known as ‘maya angam’ that used incantations and spells for
attack.

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ANGAMPORA: THE GLORIOUS, TRADITIONAL SRI LANKAN
MARTIAL ART
Angampora is an ancient martial art that originated in Sri Lanka. Its lethal techniques
and harsh discipline make it out to…
It's been more than a million years since the first human was born, and since then
they've had to face a gazillion challenges in this rapidly changing world.
While learning the methods of survival, they discovered that adapting to a social
group is the most basic one. Why?
We figured that staying in packs allows us better chances of survival. But it wasn't
the socialising that assisted in survival, it was something else.
As time passed, more social groups were formed. Each group appointed a leader to
look up to. Due to various political, cultural, social and economical reasons the
leaders craved for more power, and it resulted in fights between these communities.
The people needed unique techniques to defeat their enemies and hence Martial Arts
came into being.
There are hundreads of martial arts in the known world and Angampora, the
traditional martial art devised by ancient Sri Lankans is known to possess some of
the most lethal, highly disciplined techniques in the world.
What is Angampora, and how did it come to being? Here's a brief annotation for
you.
The Origins of Angampora
The origins of Angampora are scattered throughout history. It's believed to be older
than 33,000 years along with the story of Kataragama Mahasen, the brave
Angampora warrior of Yakkha tribe. Later at the time of Maha Ravana who was born
to the same tribe, Angampora was vastly expanded. It became more popular as it
was introduced to Buddhist civilization.

25. 25
Throughout the time of King Dutugemunu, the ten giant warriors of his army (Dasa
Maha Yodhayo) used Angampora techniques in the battles against the Warlord
Elara.
Gotaimbara was one of the ten giants, and he had a separate conflict with Ritigala
Jayasena, a powerful member of Yakkha tribe. Gotaimbara tried to flirt with
Jayasena's beautiful wife which led to a huge fight. According
to Mahãvamsa, Gotaimbara had decaptiated Jayasena by a single Angampora kick
to the neck.
The Gurukula
The parties who taught Angampora for latter generations were called Gurukula.
They arose during the Kandyan period as the need and the importance
of Angampora was increased due to British imperialism in Sri Lanka. There were
two main Gurukula in the country; Sudaliya and Maruwalliya.
A new administrative system was developed and the senior members of Gurukula
were given titles. Mohottala, Sudaliya Muhandiram, Maruwalliya Muhandiram are
a few of them.
The Kings also supported the improvement of Angampora by
offering Nindagam (villages granted for officers in King's service to carry out work
in the name of the king). While some of the Sudaliya Nindagam were located
at Matale, Harispaththuwa, Siduruwana, Udunuwara and Yatinuwara,
the Nindagam belonged to Maruwalliya were established at Hewaheta, Udapalatha,
Delthota and Rathmale.
The Art of Fighting
According to the contemporary experts in Angampora history, there have been six
subject areas related to Angampora Education.
They are:
Angampora (Unarmed combat), Ilangampora ( Armed combat ), Mata Angam
(Black and White magic ), the Art of Dancing and Drumming, Herbal Medicine and
Astrology.

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Over the span of time, some of these areas have been lost but the most parts of it
have been preserved well by the passionate masters.
The term Angampora refers to physical combat, and is essentially the martial use of
limbs, but no weapons. It's categorized into three types; Pora Haramba (offensive
and defensive techniques), Gataputtu (grips and locks) and Maru Kala (Vital point
attacks).
Pora Haramba
Pora Haramba has eighteen offensive strikes that can do serious damages to the
opponent, and seven defensive techniques to avoid punches from the opponent. Dik
gutiya, Athul pahara, Piti pahara are some of the popular offensive techniques
in Angampora.
Gataputtu
In order to disarm the enemy, make him weak or to kill, the Gataputtu strategy is
used. This includes putting grips, locks on opponent’s body parts like hands, legs,
and head etc. Diyaballu Gataya, Kathira Gataya, Pimburu Gataya, and Wanda
Gataya are few of the many Gataputtu methods. A proper Angampora warrior
should know all these, as well as the techniques to redeem from them.
Maru Kala
Maru Kala is the most important technique in Angampora. It is advanced and not
everyone gets the opportunity to learn it, as this subject includes the study of crucial
nerve point strikes. Such strikes require a certain amount of power and speed, and a
fighter who is excelled at Maru Kala can cause great pain to the opponent, make him
paralysed, incompetent, swoon or give a quick death.
Therefore, a few selected people who are trustworthy can study this, and they should
swear a special oath by the name of Lord Buddha and Maha Ravana to not to use
these techniques against anyone, unless it’s absolutely necessary. They also can’t
teach Maru Kala to anyone with low qualities.

27. 27
Ilangampora
Ilangampora, the art of armed combat is consisting thirty two weapons (Dethis
Ayudha) and divided into four main categories; Curved weapons, Circular weapons,
Long weapons, and Blunt weapons.
An Angampora student should at least practice for two years before they
learn Ilangampora, as it requires a great dedication and discipline.
During that training period trainees got to practice with wooden swords at baby
coconut trees, or banana trees. The archery training is done using targets drawn on
trees, and swinging coconuts.
The Legacy of Angampora
In 1815, an agreement (The Kandyan Convention - Udarata Giwisuma) was signed
by the British and Chiefs of the Kandyan Kingdom to forfeit all claims made by the
King Sri Wickrema Rajasinha to the throne of Kandy. The dominion was vested in
the sovereign of the British Empire, and thus began the Legacy of Angampora.
The British already feared the power of Angampora, and once they received
authority over the Kandyan Kingdom they started massacring the
fierce Angampora fighters of that time.
Few members of main two Gurukula were able to survive this bloodbath, and
continued practicing Angampora while teaching the later generations. The
descendants of such families still live in Karathota, Ritigala and Awissawella areas.
Angampora isn't just an ancient martial art that originated in Sri Lanka, but a symbol
that portrays our cultural value as a country and serves as a reminder of our fearless
nation. It should be given a platform of professional status in the country, so this
thousand year tradition can be preserved for future generations.
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