Ampara

The heritage zone Ampara or Digamadulla is on the East to Sri Lanka. Human activities in this zone run back up to the Middle Stone Age and natural stone caves are found in abundance. This area was administered by the Rohana Kingdom whenever Anuradhapura kingdom suffered setbacks and historical evidence confirms that the zone was a great source of strength for the rulers to face enemy aggression during the historical period. It has been archeologically confirmed that with the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka Buddhist monasteries were built in this zone. These monasteries have been located in association with hills and the coastline. At present Sinhalese, Hindu and Muslim people live together in the region.

Archaeological heritage management within the zone was started by the Central Cultural Fund in 2017 and the aim of the project is to research the archaeological sites threatened during the war and later, and to provide opportunities for the general public to view them.