Ratnapura Maha Saman Devalaya

Ratnapura Maha Saman Devalaya is a popular worship place dedicated to the God Saman, surrounded by beautiful mountains. It is believed that the God Saman is the guardian of Ratnapura. It was built in the 13th century as a Hindu temple, but when the Portuguese seized it they built a church. In the 15th century Ratnapura became part of the Kandyan Kingdom and King Parakramabahu VI rebuilt it. An ornamental doorway, wall paintings, the remains of a Portuguese Fort and a stone sculpture of a Portuguese solider are some of the things worth seeing. Every year in August Ratnapura Maha Saman Devalaya conducts its traditional festival, which last for two weeks every night. It is an old Sri Lanka’s procession, celebrated with traditional dances, especially Gara Yakuma dance.