When I first set foot in the Peace Pagoda temple at Ampara, I was immediately enveloped by an atmosphere of calm and introspection. The structure, built on February 27, 1988, is an architectural marvel and a powerful symbol of nonviolence and Buddhist peace. The air was filled with a quiet reverence, a feeling that transcended everyday life and invited me to pause and reflect. Tracing the Roots of Peace Learning about its origins added layers of meaning to my visit. The Peace Pagoda was inspired by Nichidatsu Fuji thero, the founder of the Nipponzan Myohoji Nikaya. His encounter with Mahatma…

Visiting Deeghawapi Maha Stupa in Ampara deeply connected me to Sri Lanka's spiritual and historical roots. Unlike many other religious sites, Deeghawapi carries a silent power—a feeling that you are walking on sacred ground where Buddha himself meditated with 500 Arhats during his third visit to the island. The atmosphere here feels untouched by time, and every step echoes centuries of history, devotion, and resilience. The Journey to Deeghawapi The trip to Deeghawapi Maha Stupa was an adventure in itself. The roads wind through lush paddy fields, small villages, and dense forests. A sense of calm settles in as you approach…

As I arrived at Gal Oya National Park, nestled in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, I felt like I had entered a hidden sanctuary untouched by time. Unlike the more popular national parks in Sri Lanka, Gal Oya felt raw, authentic, and wild—precisely what I was looking for. The vast expanse of dense forests, shimmering lakes, and rugged hills painted a breathtaking landscape, with the majestic Senanayake Samudraya, Sri Lanka’s largest reservoir, stretching like a giant mirror reflecting the sky. The Unique Boat Safari Experience One of the highlights of my trip was the boat safari—an experience unlike any other in…

Tucked away deep within the dense jungles of Ampara, Buddhangala Monastery is one of Sri Lanka’s most serene and historically rich Buddhist sites. My journey to this sacred sanctuary, located just 7 km from Ampara town, felt like stepping back in time. Surrounded by 1280 acres of untouched wilderness and towering rock formations, the monastery exudes an undeniable spiritual energy. A Monastery Rooted in History As I wandered through the ancient monastery grounds, I couldn’t help but marvel at the ruins of the Digamadulla Kingdom, which date back to the 4th century BC. This was once a flourishing Buddhist centre where monks and…

My recent trip to Rajagala, also known as Rassagala or Rajagalathenna, was nothing short of stepping into a time machine that transported me to the heart of Sri Lanka's prehistoric past. Nestled in the Ampara District, this sprawling site of over 300 acres unveils the secrets of a bygone era, with over 500 ruins and artefacts, each narrating tales of cultural and spiritual significance. The Journey Begins Booking my visit through a local tour operator, I embarked on the journey to Rajagala early in the morning. The site, perched at an elevation of 1,038 feet above sea level, is a…