Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is a town in Sri Lanka's North Central Province and the administrative capital of Polonnaruwa District. It lies on the eastern bank of a network of ancient irrigation works and near the Parakrama Samudra, a large reservoir associated with medieval hydraulic engineering. The site is a major archaeological area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Historically, Polonnaruwa served as the island’s capital from the 11th to the 13th century after the decline of Anuradhapura. It flourished under kings such as Vijayabahu I and Parakramabahu I, who expanded royal palaces, religious temples, and the irrigation system. By the 13th century, invasions and political changes contributed to its decline, and the capital was eventually moved to other centers.

The archaeological site preserves a substantial ensemble of medieval monuments, including the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddha statues, the Vatadage circular relic house, the Rankoth Vehera stupa, and the Nissanka Latha Mandapaya. Remains of the Royal Palace complex, as well as other temples and dagobas such as the Lankatilaka Temple and Kumara Pokuna (Prince’s Bath), are also part of the heritage landscape.

Today, Polonnaruwa is a focus for tourism and scholarship, attracting visitors and researchers interested in Sinhalese art, architecture, and ancient hydraulic engineering. The city’s preservation efforts aim to maintain the integrity of its extensive ruins while facilitating education and sustainable visitation.