Utuwankanda

The hideout of a local hero

Utuwankanda is a name quite familiar to any Sri Lankan with a knack for history. However, it stands to date as perhaps one of the most infrequently visited places in the country.

Utuwankanda achieves its fame due to it being the hideout of a local hero known by the name ‘Saradiyel’ who used this area as refuge from the colonial rulers. The rocky mountain, the caves within and the scenic view from the summit are definite reasons for any traveler to mount an expedition to Utuwankanda.

The importance of Utuwankanda lies perhaps entirely in the historic figure attached to it – Utuwankande Sura Saradiyel – a notorious rebel to the British but a “Robin Hood” to the locals. Deekirikevage Saradiyel better known as Utuwankande Sura Saradiyel was a gang leader and outlaw who rebelled against the British; his place of residence being Utuwankanda. It is said that he stole from the rich and distributed it to the poor, much like Robin Hood, and was eventually captured by the British and hanged. His closest friend Mammalay Marikkar stood by him till the very end – they were executed together. It is said that locals gathered in thousands to witness his execution and respect his efforts.

A rural hamlet in Mawanella belonging to the Kegalle District, Utuwankanda is not a very long drive, especially if you are travelling in the luxury of your own vehicle. It’s a straight drive on the Colombo – Kandy main road until the Utuwankanda Junction, from where, you turn left and travel for about 1km down the Uthuwana Road. The chimney-like rock that you encounter afterwards, is your destination. The Saradiyel Village is about 2km away from the Colombo – Kandy highway and is near Mawanella.

The monsoon and inter-monsoon seasons are definitely going to bring about continuous showers which will hamper your experience at Utuwankanda. Therefore, it is best to avoid a hike or visit from March to July as well as in October and November. During the other times of the year; December to February and in August and September, the area is said to be quite dry with a minimum probability of rain. These are the best times to explore the area, and if you are also planning to visit the Saradiyel Village, suggestion is to start your journey as early as possible. Specially during weekends, the Saradiyel Village is said to be overflowing with visitors.

Aside from the obvious activities at Utuwankanda – Rock Climbing and Photography – several other enjoyable exercises are available at Utuwankanda. You can take a tour through the village area that surrounds the rock and enjoy the beauty of nature. Even the climb to the summit is not of excruciating difficulty.

Perhaps the more eye-catching attraction situated nearby is the Saradiyel Village where cement statues have been constructed to depict Saradiyel’s life story. A tour guide will accompany any group visiting this theme park and the monument shop offers a variety of collectibles and mementos for foreign and local tourists alike.

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To any historian studying the origin and development of Eastern civilisations, there exists an indispensable location. To any explorer or traveler, there subsists a decisive destination. Being home to an ethnically, religiously and culturally multifaceted population of 21 million individuals and perhaps even more famous as a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is an island nation with its own trademark contributions to share with the world.

In that sense, it is no surprise that this paradise island is known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’.

Explore what the industries have to offer

Sri Lanka has been recognized by almost all known world indices as a developing country in the modern world, with an economy endeavouring to improve each passing day. A vast variety of large industries and rural upstarts comprise the economic system of the country. Throughout the year, several fora, exhibitions and conventions are held to provide useful information to the public as well as to offer a chance for them to enjoy special benefits and privileges.

Perhaps the best-known amongst these exhibitions are the educational expositions that are held mainly at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) – arguably Sri Lanka’s most favoured exhibition venue. The Future Minds Ed-Expo is an annual occasion where great educational opportunities await anyone interested in pursuing their higher education in whatever field they opt into. The exhibition is also an attraction among the school crowd mainly due to the competitions prearranged by the organizers. Later into the year, Sri Lanka’s biggest Book Exhibition takes place at the same venue – ‘Colombo International Book Fair’ – providing a hub for all Sri Lankan as well as international publishers to feature their publications while on the other hand becoming an amazing platform for book-lovers from around the country to enjoy unbelievable discounts for their purchases.