Alakeshwara Ruins, Kotte.

Assumed to be the palace of Alakeshwara - the founder of the ancient city of Kotte, these ruins belong to one of the less known, but historically important archaeological sites located in the heart of the Sri Lankan capital Sri Jayawardhanapura Kotte.

At present there are remnants of only two buildings to be seen at this location. They too have been overgrown with weeds and seem to be in a quite neglected state. Definitely, this has been a victim of the fast urbanization over the cause of time. Today, this archaeological preserve has become an isolated patch of land in a highly residential area.

According to the popular belief this place is considered to be the final resting place of Alakeshwara, hence referred to as the Alakeshwara Tomb. However, there is no conclusive evidence to prove this fact. On the contrary, the veteran archaeologist and historian Puravidya Chakrawarthi Douglas D. Ranasinghe (1911 – 2000), who studied about the history of Kotte for more than 50 years, names this place as a part of the palace of Alakeshwara.

Alakeshwara: the feudal leader

Alakeshwara lived in a period of political turmoil in late 14^th century, where he served as the Chief Minister and Counsellor of King Vikramabahu III (reign 1357-1374) of Gampola. He held the same position under the King Bhuvanekabahu V (reign 1374-1408) for several years. Being a descendant of the historically significant family started by Nissanka Alagakonara who migrated to Sri Lanka from Kanchipuram, India; Alakeshwara has acclaimed prominent role in the history as a war hero, due to his resistance against the Arya Chakaravarthi kings of the Jaffna Kingdom.

Although, there are certain conflicting historical sources, the general belief among the scholars is that he was very successful in his battles against the Arya Chakaravarthi forces advancing from the north and achieved decisive victories under both the kings he served. In due course, he established a strategically important fortress surrounded by marshy lands, to the south of Kelani River. He named this fortress, Jayawardhanapura (meaning “victorious city” in Sinhala), and the area became known as Kotte (meaning “the fort”).

With his success, it is believed that he might have out-shined the actual king and developed credibility among the public to be a true leader. Even though there are not any clear proofs, it is widely accepted that he passed away somewhere during 1382 to 1392.

Getting There…

It is possible to drive a vehicle in the size of an average car all the way near to the entrance.

If coming along Sri Jayawardhanapura Mawatha (A0) from Borella:

1. Turn right to the Kotte Road. (About 4 km from Borella.)
2. Continue for 1.5 km along Kotte Road and turn left to Alakeshwara Road.
3. Continue for about 150 m passing a sharp turn to the right and then turn left to Dewala Lane.
4. Follow Dewala Lane for about 50 m until you reach the ruins.

If coming from Nugegoda:

1. Continue along Pagoda Road up to Kotte Road. (2.3 km from the Nugegoda Junction)
2. Turn left at the junction and continue along Kotte Road for about 1.5 km.
3. Turn right to the Alakeshwara Road.
4. Continue for about 150 m passing a sharp turn to the right and then turn left to Dewala Lane.
5. Follow Dewala Lane for about 50 m until you reach the ruins.

Attractions Nearby

• Veherakanda Ruins (2.5 km)

Travel Notes

Following are based on the visit to the Alakeshwara Ruins on 2011-12-26.

• To enter the premises, you will have to obtain prior permission from the Department of Archaeology.
• As it could be expected already, there is not much left to be seen due to the negligence of the authorities.
• Even the neighbouring residents do not seem care much since there was a huge pile of garbage, right next to the entrance gate.