Sights at the Paramananda Raja Maha Vihara, near Thonigala, Sri Lanka.

The lean-to building where various artifacts are found.

A bee-hive on the rock wall.

Paramaanandha Kandhe Raja Maha Vihara, near Thonigala, Sri Lanka.

A statue of Lord Buddha near Narammala, Sri Lanka.

A statue of Lord Buddha in the seated posture as depicted, is a rarity in Sri Lanka. This newly unveiled statue at Narammala close to the highway, was spectacular. 

Scenes at Thonigala, Sri Lanka.

The fenced off meters long Brahmi inscription on granite. 

A rocky hillock.

The hillock which houses the 'Paramananda Raja Maha Vihara'.

Thonigala, on the Putthalam to Kurunegala road, Sri Lanka.

The massive rock formation at Thonigala.

A water resrvoir at Thonigala.

One of the largest and longest Brahmi inscriptions on the rock facing the water reservoir at Thonigala.

The contents of the rock inscription made in the first century AD.

According to local legends 'Thonigala' got its name from the fact that Kuweni the mythical Yakka princess, wailed her heart out ('Lathoni dunne thaena') at this place. Kuweni who espoused Kuweni in his early days in Sri Lanka, got her help to massacre her kith and kin. She had a son and daughter by Vijaya. Vijaya later got a princess from the royal household from Southern Madhura and threw out Kuweni and her children. Kuweni was left helpless to face her wrathful Yaka tribe and was killed by them. The children were spared and legend says that they became the Veddha tribe of Sri Lanka.