Cultural heritage tourism management

CULTURAL
HERITAGE TOURISM
MANAGEMENT IN
MY VILLAGE AREA
(KIRAMA – HAMBANTOTA
DISTRICT)
Nikeshala E.A.C
HS/2016/15927
3000 Level
POS 32663
Cultural Heritage Tourism Management
Second Assignment
Department of Public Policy
University of Ruhuna.

INTRODUCTION
Cultural and Heritage Tourism is a tool of economic development that achieves
economic growth through attracting visitors from outside a host community, who are
motivated wholly or in part by interest in the historical, artistic, scientific or
lifestyle/heritage offerings of a community, region, group or institution (Silberberg
1995). Such travel is focused upon experiencing cultural environments, including
landscapes, the visual and performing arts and special lifestyles, values, traditions, and
events.
Tourism is widely recognized for its tangible outcomes (job creation, tax
revenues) as well as its less tangible outcomes (quality of life). It may be built upon a
wide variety of attractions, including agritourist, arts tourism, cultural and heritage
tourism, destination tourism, fairs, events and conferences, sports teams, recreation,
and more. International tourism is the world’s largest export earner and an important
factor in the balance of payments in most nations (United Nations World Tourism
Organization 2007). The primary focus of this tool to attract visitors is “cultural and
heritage tourism.”
As an island, Sri Lanka is a very beautiful country and there are so many tourist
attraction places and so many tourist destinations are here. There are some beautiful
villages are in Sri Lanka. Kirama also a village which situated in Hambantota district
and in this book can be identified what are the cultural tourism management strategies
in Kirama and surrounding villages.

CONTENTS
01. The Dutch Fort at Katuwana
02. Sapugahadola Ella Falls (Ranmale Biso Ella)
03. Siththamgallena Raja Maha Viharaya
04. The Rammal mountain range
05. Rotumba Biso Ella Falls
06. The Historic Gatabaruwa Rajamaha Viharaya
07. Angampora Martial Art – Rammal Kanda
08. Kithul syrup and Kithul jiggery
09. Fish Therapy in Kirama Oya
10. Rammale tea plantation tours
11. Ayurveda Spas

The Dutch Fort at Katuwana
Generally, the colonial forts in Sri Lanka were built on coastal areas to protect
the entry points such as harbors from invading forces. But there are some forts which
were built inside the country. They were meant to defend the low land from the
Kandyan Kingdom in the hills. Until the Kandy fell to British in 1815, it was an
independent kingdom refusing to bow the head to the colonial powers which held the

coastal belt. Therefore, the Dutch and the Portuguese built several forts on the foothills
which boarders the Kandyan Kingdom and their areas. Katuwana Fort is such a
located in the Katuwana divisional secretary of Hambantota District.
The Katuwana Fort was built in 1645 A.D by the Dutch East India Company.
But long before the Dutch arrived, the importance of Katuwana as a strategic location
for the the armies was known by the Sinhalese kings and queens. The Great Chronicle
of Sri Lanka, Mahawansa describes of a defense fort build by queen Sugala when she
was warring with king Maha Parakramabahu (1153-1186) of Polonnaruwa Kingdom
for an independent Ruhuna.
According to Haydt who visited the fort in 1734 there had been two bastions
which accommodated 12 cannons, single and two storied buildings for quarters, stores,
surgical theaters etc. The rampart is about 150 feet x 150 feet in dimensions which is
made of huge boulders is about 20 feet high from externally and 8-12 feet high from
internally. This fort was captured and partly destroyed by the Kandyan forces in 1761
during the Matara Rebellion.
The main door of the Fort can be now found on the Maduwanwela Walawwa
today. It is said that at one time the British has issued an arrest warrant for the
Maduwanwala Disawe, popularly known as the Black Prince of Sabaragamuwa and
when the soldiers came to arrest him, he trapped them and demanded that the British
give him a beautiful timber doorway from the old Dutch Fort at Katuwana in exchange
for the soldiers’ lives.
The fort was abounded after the attack of 1761 and became ruined with time. In
early 20th century, the government built a rural hospital just outside the ramparts and
thereafter local administrative center, Assistant government agents office and
residences and some other government buildings were constructed inside the fort. The

Archaeological department declared the fort as a protected monument in 1980 and
restoration was stared on annual basis with very limited funds allocated for the work
every year. In 2007, the Netherlands government came to rescue to restore the fort and
to relocate the buildings within and around to make it a tourist attraction.
The arch entrance of the fort was scientifically excavated remains of the
archway was discovered. After studying the entrances of other Dutch forts, it was
restored by craftsmen of department of archaeology.
The fort can easily be reached from Middeniya which in turn can be reached
from either Panamure or directly from Embilipitiya.

Sapugahadola Ella Falls (Ranmale Biso
Ella)
The sources of this 25-meter-high Sapugahadola Ella (Ranmale Biso
Ella/Sapugaharoda Ella) fall are the brooks flowing down the Rammale mountain
range (Ranmala Kanda). It flows on to the
Warapitiya Reservoir and then the Kirma
River. The first part of the waterfall is a dead
drop on to a ledge of about 12m in height.
Then the water falls over another 12-13 meters.
During the dry season the flow is
languid but when the rains come, it cascades
magnificently. Tea plantations and other crops
in Rammale and Wadula have taken a heavy
toll on the environment, putting the fall’s
existence in jeopardy.
The fall is situated near the Siththamgallena Rajamaha Viharaya, Hambantota
District. From Katuwanna PC, near the Warapitiya Tank, take the Warapitiya –
Uruboka road for 3km. It is 20m from the first culvert to the fall. Alternatively, take
the road from Aktuwana town via Rukmalpitiya Dangalkande towards Hulankande.
The fall can be found between Hulankande and Kirama.
This waterfall is also called Sapugaharoda Ella and Ranmale Biso Ella. A small
hotel has been built close to this waterfall and a small ledge has been built across the
stream at the bottom of the waterfall creating a small pool to bath. Due this reason,
this waterfall is frequently visited by local and foreign travellers to this area.

Siththamgallena Raja Maha Viharaya
Siththamgallena (Sittamgallena) Raja Maha Viharaya is an ancient cave temple
located in a picturesque backdrop in the remote village of Warapitiya in Walasmulla
nestled at the foot of the Rammalkanda mountain range. This temple has been called
Sitiyan Gallen in ancient texts and has a history going far back to King Wattagamini
Abaya popularly known as king Walalgamba (89-77 BC).
The temple again comes to prominence in the 11th century when invadors from
Chola, India captured the then capital of Anuradhapura and took King Mahinda V
captive and move their administrative capital to Polonnaruwa ending an era of a 1500-
year-old capital.
The Cholas held the power for 53 years until a prince from the south rose
against the invaders and took power in Polonnaruwa in 1070. This prince Vijayabahu
is said to have lived in Siththamgallena Temple since he was 18 till 36 consolidating
power in the south and recruitng and building an army to fight the invaders. After
defeat of the Cholas he was consecrated as King Vijayabahu I in Anuradhapura as his
forefathers but ruled from Polonnaruwa.
Legend and folklore has it that it is also in this temple that the Sacred Tooth
Relic was hidden for protection from foreign invaders.
The Siththamgallena (Sittamgallena) Temple consists of 2 cave image houses
with 18 riyan Buddha images, a devale dedicated to Rajjuru Bandara and a stupa at the
summit of the rock. The stupa is of recent origin, built after the treasure hunters had
destroyed the original stupa.

This temple which had forgotten with time was revived in 1920 when
Agalabada Sobitha Thera started developing this temple again. Later a devale
dedicated to Deity Rajjuru Bandara has been constructed at a later date.
Today the temple is most popular for the annal perehara for deity Rajjuru
Bandara which has become a national event. The origins of the perahera stems from
the dream an Ayurveda physician of the area, Maddumage Siyadoris, who also served
as the Kapuwa of the Sittamgallena Raja Maha Viharaya, saw, beckoning him to hold
the annual perahera. That was the year 1968. The perahera was started as in his dream
with one elephant and finally it has now grown to a national level with state
patronization.

The Rammal mountain range
The Rammal mountain range and plateau is situated on a soft slope at 2,700 feet
above Mean Sea Level. The plateau, which extends up to 268m in height, stretches to
the Sinharaja Rainforest through the Morawakkorale. There is also the vegetation that
is typical of the lower montane rainforests, which has trees of valuable wood, such as
Hora, Bakmee. Malburutha and Weniwel. It is from the Rammal Kanda from which
the Kirama Oya meanders, feeding the roots of the Nilawala Ganga. It is from the
Rammal Kanda that the Sapugahadola Waterfall, which is the only picturesque fall in
Hambantota, can be seen. It is also through the Rammal mountain range that the Dutch
built the road and the fortress to transport salt from Hambantota to the upcountry
areas. There have been a large number of historical data that has been unravelled from
the fortresses there, which specify the international relationships between the people
of Giruwapattuwa and foreigners in the 16th Century.
There are three definitions which envelop the name Rammal. One is
Sonmalaya, as per the Mahawamsa listing. The other is that it is a depiction of a shrub
forest. Another definition is the mountain of war. The Mahawamsa also has
chronicled that there have been wars in this area in the 11th and 12th Centuries. R.L.
Brohier has defined this as Rammeli. The mountain range is also famous after deity,
Rajjuru Bandara, and is also known as the Rajjuru Bandara plateau as he is said to
have been in charge of the area.
The Rammal mountain range is also famous for traditional curd and kithul
treacle. Kithul treacle from Katuwana and curd from Kirama have been hailed as one
of the best combinations in the country. Tourists can take some different experiences
by hiking in these area and by using nthese natural features can be increased cultural
tourism in particular area.

Rotumba Biso Ella Falls
Rotumba Biso Ella is
also known as Bisodola
Ella and Bisomala Ella by
various people.
The waterfall hidden
deep in the remote houses
lies about 2 km from the Pasgoda – Pitabeddara Road. There is a viewing platform
built to view this waterfall. In spite of the beauty and the facilities provided only few
tourists visit this place due to the lack of awareness. However, looking at how most
local tourists behave at such places, this may be a blessing in disguise.
To reach this waterfall, you need to reach Pitabeddara either from Akuressa side
or from Morawaka. From Pitabeddara, take the Pasgoda road. Travel past
Siyambalagoda – Panakaduwa to reach Rotumba. 15 km down the Pasgoda road, there
is an unmarked concrete by lane on to the right. To reach the waterfall, you need to
travel about 2 km on this narrow twisting and turning road to its end. At the edge of
the river you will find the viewing platform.

The Historic Gatabaruwa Rajamaha
Viharaya
The historic “Gatabaruwa Rajamaha Viharaya” and the temple of god “Rajjuru
Bandara” are located on the Gatabaru hill, 1500 feet above sea level, on the Galle-
Deniyaya road at the village of kotapola in the Kotapola division, Matara District of
Sri Lanka.
The Gatabaru cave temple is placed in a very scenic environment between the
Rakwana mountain range, the Singharaja mountain range and the Morawaka range,
rising above many smaller mountains that surround it. It is attached to the Diyadawa
forest and lies 2 km from the Kotapola town.
A 30 feet cave on the top of the hill gives sanctuary to a large statue of Lord
Buddha in the sleeping state with a statue of Mugalan Thero at His feet and a statue of
Sariuth Thera at the side of His head. On the two sides of the Statue are built, a temple
of god Rajjuru Bandara and a temple of gods Vishnu and Katharagama.
According to Sri Lankan folklore the period of rule of the great king
Walagamba, who had Anuradhapura as his kingdom and who achieved greatness
through the construction of Gal Viharaya, was a time that saw the construction of a
multitude of Buddhist temples in the country. It is believed that the Gatabaru Viharaya
was also built during this time. God Rajjuru Bandara, who is believed to inhabit places
of worship, commands the faith, a respectful fear and an infinite respect of the people
of Ruhuna, or the southern region of the country. It is well accepted that king
Walagamba, the unique creator of Gal Viharaya, built this temple as a tribute to god

Rajjuru Bandara. This was in return for the help and protection he offered to king
Walagamba while the king was in hiding in the two regions Ruhunu and Maya,
organizing armies to bring the nation under a single rule. An indication of the close
link between king Walagamba and god Rajjuru Bandara is given by statues of god
Basnahira, which are found only in places of worship built by king Walagamba.
It is revealed in ancient writings such as Mahawansa, that king Walagamba,
fought Tamils for 12 years and defeated them and then built beautiful temples with
statues and other creations worthy of human worship, at those caves he once lived
while the nation was in the hands of the enemy. Further, although ancient stone
inscriptions indicate that king
Walagamba lived in forest
caves, archaeologists are of the
view that landslides that had
occurred in the area
surrounding the Gatabaru
Viharaya over the years have
destroyed many archaeological
stone inscriptions and other
evidence.
Tale of the discovery of this cave temple in 1834 AD, which by then had been
hidden deep inside the jungle for centuries, is also quite interesting. At the time,
inhabitants of this area mostly made their livelihood through chena and paddy
cultivation in addition to a few who were hunters. One day in 1834 a person by the
name of Eliyashami who lived in Kotapola, climbed the Gatabaru hill looking for
game. He came upon a Sambhur deer and started chasing it. The deer ran and hid
inside a cave followed by the hunter. Once Eliyashami, peeked inside the cave looking
for the deer, what he saw amazed him. In front of him was the “18 riyan” (approx. 9
yards) long lying-statue of the Lord Buddha! Eliyashami gave up the hunt and

returned immediately to the village to inform others. A person named Morawaka
Katagoda acting on this information led the villagers in clearing up the surrounding
jungle and renovating the cave temple. In the same year Ven. Weerasinghekande
Sumangala Thera took residence in the newly built monastery at this location, by the
invitation of villagers.
Evidence shows that the beautiful statue thus discovered was not the the only
ancient artistic creation at this cave. It had once also housed many other venerated
statues and murals that relate to the Anuradhapura era. However, only one set of
murals showing a beautiful patch of lotuses have survived the forces of nature until
this day.
The cave has been carved in the ancient technique of “kataram” in order to
prevent rain water seeping inside. It is also said in folklore that there was a secret
passage from this cave to a place called Paramagala in the past.

Angampora Martial Art – Rammal Kanda
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. Angampora is still
being practiced in Sri Lanka all across the island and has a huge following mainly in
Rammale kanda. Many tourists like to have different experiences. So by using these
cultural martial arts can be increased tourists’ attraction in this area.

Kithul syrup and Kithul jaggery
Now, there is an herbal product which has the capacity for putting Sri Lanka
back on the world map if the country is able to manage its marketing properly. The
product is what is known as ‘kithul syrup’ made out of the sap extracted by tapping
the flower of the solitary-trunked palm tree called ‘fish-tail tree’ or in its botanical
name, ‘Caryota urens’. This tree is at present grown freely in the wide land mass of
the Wet Zone in Sri Lanka and home to all the countries in South and South East Asia.
However, it is only in Sri Lanka that this tree istapped for its sap which is used for
producing this unique syrup and, after further fermentation, a beer-like soft alcohol
called toddy. traditional kithul tappers used traditional tapping methods and those
methods, coupled with medicinal mixtures used to prime the kithul inflorescence,
yielded a very poor sap output. That poor output did not bring them sufficient income
to sustain their own livelihood thereby impeding further growth of the industry. the
traditional tapping techniques used by local tappers enabled only about a third of the
trees in the country to be tapped for sap collection. That was because only a few trees
yielded to such herbal treatment and all others were resistant to it. This meant that a
vast majority of kithul trees remained untapped. The low yield per tree ranging
between three and 10 liters a day also compelled some tappers to use techniques that
led in turn to the
production of
inferior kithul
syrup and kithul
jaggery.

Fish Therapy in Kirama Oya
Guests get the greatest opportunity of benefiting from a natural fish spa
therapy in a natural water steams. This temperature will create a relaxing feeling to the
customer where they could receive a tingling massage from the dozens of toothless
fish in natural water steams. These type of fish are known as doctor or nibble fish.
They suck and gently nibble away at dry and dead skin. The end result will leave your
feet feeling refreshed and healthy.
Kirama oya provides you natural foot massage from hundreds of fish. This
ride gives you several memorable experiences and this natural fish therapy is one of
them. There are several fish spas can be established in Kirama Oya areas.
They setup several artificial cage ponds in the natural river the doctor fish
are grown there. Tourist can get in to the floating stage from boat and sit and put legs
in to the pond. Hundreds of Fish comes and gently nibble the dead skin of legs.
Tourists can provide fish food also. Once They
feed them, hundreds of them comes and fight for
it. the experience is really worth to have.

Rammale tea plantation tours
Tea tourism has been long-established in Sri Lanka and almost every tea
factory offers a tea tour of some sort. The tours don’t take too long and can be done in
route whilst you are travelling through the tea country. Your guide can help you pick
out a suitable tea factory based on your route or preferences. Once in the tea factory,
you would generally start out in the plantation itself to learn about how tea is
cultivated, then visit the factory where ancient machines pre-dating the industrial
revolution wither, roll and dry the tea.
There is normally a little time at the end of the tour for a tea tasting, either
of one specific type of tea or occasionally of the various specialties of that particular
factory. Much like a wine tasting, a traditional tea tasting would involve drinking tea
(without milk), swilling it around the mouth to get the taste, and then spitting it out
into a spittoon. A few tea factories stick to these traditional methods, although the
spittoon method is not so popular these days! Some of the larger tea factories can get
extremely crowded with tourists so do be prepared for the fact that this is a very
touristic experience, but entrance costs are usually nominal or free, and it’s definitely
worth your time to pay a visit, even if only to get a chance to see the antique machines
at work. If you would prefer a slightly more private tailored experience, this can be
arranged by your travel consultant.

Ayurveda Spas
Sri Lanka has always been a place that refreshes not just the mind and body,
but also the soul and spirit. And for thousands of years, the most popular method used
to restore and rejuvenate tired bodies and weary souls has been Ayurveda – the oldest
and most holistic medical system available in the world Sri Lanka has been a center of
spiritual and physical healing for 2,000 years. Ayurveda programs consist of a range
of herbal treatments and various types of baths and massages, together with cleansing
and revitalization techniques such as yoga, meditation and special diets.
Sri Lanka now has a number of spas, mainly on the west coast, which not
only provide Ayurveda but also other Eastern and Western therapies, such as Thai
massage, hydrotherapy, herbal baths, reflexology and beauty treatments. For those
seeking spiritual nourishment, meditation courses are also available.

REFERENCES
https://amazinglanka.com/wp/sapugaharoda-ella-falls/
https://amazinglanka.com/wp/siththamgallena-raja-maha-viharaya/
https://www.google.lk/search?q=ayurveda+spa&source=lmns&bih=766&biw=412&p
rmd=ivmn&hl=en&ved=2ahUKEwil9pj0_qznAhUDVXwKHQGzC4kQ_AUoAHoEC
AAQAw
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2016/11/27/hidden-dutch-fort-katuwana
https://www.watchinglanka.com/gatabaru-rajamaha-viharaya-at-deniya-in-sri-lanka/

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