List of World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka

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Location of World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. Green dots are natural sites, red dots are cultural.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designates World Heritage Sites of outstanding universal value to cultural or natural heritage which have been nominated by countries which are signatories to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972. [1] Cultural heritage consists of monuments (such as architectural works, monumental sculptures, or inscriptions), groups of buildings, and sites (including archaeological sites). Natural features (consisting of physical and biological formations), geological and physiographical formations (including habitats of threatened species of animals and plants), and natural sites which are important from the point of view of science, conservation or natural beauty, are defined as natural heritage. [2] Sri Lanka ratified the convention on 6 June 1980. [3]

Contents

As of 2022, Sri Lanka has eight sites on the list. The first three sites, the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, the Ancient City of Sigiriya, and the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, were listed in 1982. The most recent site, the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, was listed in 2010. The Central Highlands and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve are natural sites, the other six are cultural. In addition, Sri Lanka has three sites on its tentative list. The country served as a member of the World Heritage Committee in the years 1983–1989. [3]

World Heritage Sites

UNESCO lists sites under ten criteria; each entry must meet at least one of the criteria. Criteria i through vi are cultural, and vii through x are natural. [4]

World Heritage Sites
SiteImageLocation (province)Year listedUNESCO dataDescription
Sacred City of Anuradhapura SL Anuradhapura asv2020-01 img31 Abhayagiriya Stupa.jpg North Central 1982200; ii, iii, vi (cultural)Anuradhapura was the first capital of Sri Lanka and a Buddhist spiritual centre. It was founded in the 4th century BCE. It was attacked by the Tamils in the 2nd century BCE and sacked by the Pandyas in the 9th century CE. The monuments were subsequently restored but the city was finally destroyed in 993 by the Chola emperor Rajaraja I and the capital was moved to Polonnaruwa. In the following centuries it was overgrown by jungle. Monuments that remain today include the Abhayagiri vihāra (pictured) and the Ruwanwelisaya stupa, as well as the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a tree that grew from a cutting from the Bodhi Tree under which Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. [5] [6]
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa Vatadage.jpg North Central 1982201; i, iii, vi (cultural)Following the destruction of Anuradhapura by the Chola dynasty, Polonnaruwa became the capital of the eponymous kingdom under Vijayabahu I. Several Hindu temples and bronze sculptures remain from the period. The city saw its golden age in the 12th century under Parakramabahu I, when numerous Buddhist monuments and temples were constructed, including the Vatadage (pictured), a temple that used to house the relic of the tooth of Buddha. It declined in the 13th century. [7] [8]
Ancient City of Sigiriya Sigiriya.jpg Central 1982202; ii, iii, iv (cultural)Sigiriya was the short-lived capital of King Kashyapa, who ruled between 477 and 495, after he had his father King Dhatusena killed. The city is built on and around the "Lion's rock", a 180 m (590 ft) granite volcanic plug. After the defeat of Kashyapa by his brother Moggallana I, the site was returned to Buddhist monks who had lived in the grottoes in the area earlier. Today, the site is in ruins, with parts of fortifications and buildings preserved, as well as frescos representing feminine figures. The style of these frescos was influential in the following centuries. [9] [10]
Sacred City of Kandy SL Kandy asv2020-01 img33 Sacred Tooth Temple.jpg Central 1988450; iv, vi (cultural)Kandy was founded in the 14th century and served as the capital of the eponymous kingdom from 1592 to 1815, when the British entered it. It remains the religious Buddhist capital of Sri Lanka and a pilgrimage centre. Following the former tradition of moving the relic when changing the capital, the relic of the tooth of Buddha is stored in the Temple of the Tooth (pictured), with the current structure dating to the mid-18th century. Other monuments include the Royal Palace and several Buddhist temples. [11] [12]
Sinharaja Forest Reserve 20160128 Sri Lanka 4107 Sinharaja Forest Reserve sRGB (25468886730).jpg Sabaragamuwa and Southern 1988405; ix, x (natural)Sinharaja Forest Reserve comprises some of Sri Lanka's last relatively undisturbed rain forests. The flora is a relic of the ancient Gondwanaland supercontinent, and it is important for the study of biological evolution and continental drift. Valleys and lower areas are covered by Dipterocarpus species while secondary forest and shrubs cover areas where the original forest has been removed. The area is home to numerous endemic species of birds, mammals, butterflies, and amphibians. [13]
Old Town of Galle and its fortifications Galle Fort.jpg Southern 1988451; iv (cultural)The town of Galle was founded by the Portuguese who built the first fortifications there at the end of the 16th century. The Dutch East India Company took over the fort in 1640 and constructed a bastioned stone wall, giving the town its present layout. Galle saw its peak development in the 18th century, when it housed 500 families and had large administrative buildings and warehouses. It was handed over to the British in 1796. The town is the best preserved example of a European-built fortified city in South and Southeast Asia. The architecture represents a fusion of European and regional traditions between the 16th and 19th centuries. One of the important features is a sewer system that used seawater for flushing. [14] [15]
Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple Dambulla-buddhastupa.jpg Central 1991561; i, iv (cultural)The cave monastery is the largest and best preserved Buddhist complex in Sri Lanka and an important pilgrimage site. It has been inhabited by monks since the 3rd century BCE. It comprises five shrines constructed in natural caves. The shrines went through a series of renovations, the present form dates to the 18th century. They contain outstanding examples of religious art, including statues and wall paintings in the style of the Kandy art school. [16]
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka Sri Pada 02.jpg Central and Sabaragamuwa 20101203; ix, x (natural)This site comprises three areas with the least disturbed remaining areas of the submontane and montane rain forests of Sri Lanka: the Peak Wilderness Protected Area (Adam's Peak pictured), the Horton Plains National Park, and the Knuckles Conservation Forest. The area is extremely rich in biodiversity and home to several endemic species, including the purple-faced langur, Sri Lankan leopard, and numerous molluscs, reptilians, and amphibians. [17]

Tentative list

In addition to sites inscribed on the World Heritage List, member states can maintain a list of tentative sites that they may consider for nomination. Nominations for the World Heritage List are only accepted if the site was previously listed on the tentative list. [18] As of 2022, Sri Lanka has listed three properties on its tentative list. [3]

Tentative sites
SiteImageLocation (province)Year listedUNESCO criteriaDescription
Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara Seruvila Mangala Raja Maha Viharaya.jpg Eastern 2006ii, v (cultural)The Buddhist stupa was built in the 2nd century BCE under Kavan Tissa of the Kingdom of Ruhuna, to house the sacred relic of the frontal bone of Buddha. Over the centuries, it was abandoned until it was rediscovered in 1922 and renovated in the 1920s. The complex comprises restored entrances, a pond, and residential buildings. [19]
Seruwila to Sri Pada (Sacred Foot Print Shrine), Ancient pilgrim route along the Mahaweli river in Sri Lanka Adam's Peak - January 2020.jpg several sites2010ii, iii, vi (cultural)Sri Pada is a rock formation near the summit of Adam's Peak (mountain pictured), which is believed to be the Buddha footprint in Buddhist tradition or the footprint of Shiva, Adam, or Thomas the Apostle by Hindu, Islamic, and Christian traditions. The pilgrimage site was visited by kings and commoners for centuries. The route begins at the Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara and follows the course of the Mahaweli River. It passes sites with important Buddhist and Hindu shrines, including Polonnaruwa, Kandy, and Gampola. [20]
Ancient Ariyakara Viharaya in the Rajagala Archaeological Reserve Rajagala Archaeological Site 1.jpg Eastern 2020i, iii, iv (cultural)The Buddhist monastery was founded in the 2nd century BCE on the slopes of the Rajagala mountain. It was active until the end of the Anuradhapura era in the early 11th century, and afterwards abandoned. It could house about 500 monks. The remains at the archaeological site include stupas, temples, residential buildings, and cave dwellings. Paintings and inscriptions from the monastery's early period have been preserved. [21]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anuradhapura</span> City in North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura is a major city located in north central plain of Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province and the capital of Anuradhapura District. The city lies 205 kilometers (127 mi) north of the current capital of Colombo in the North Central Province, on the banks of the historic Malwathu Oya. The city is now a World Heritage Site famous for its well-preserved ruins of the ancient Sinhalese civilization.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polonnaruwa</span> Town in North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Poḷonnaruwa, also referred as Pulathisipura and Vijayarajapura in ancient times, is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. The modern town of Polonnaruwa is also known as New Town, and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains as the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sigiriya</span> Ancient rock fortress near Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of granite approximately 180 m (590 ft) high.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cultural triangle</span>

Sri Lanka's Cultural triangle is situated in the centre of the island and covers an area which includes the World Heritage cultural sites of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, the Ancient City of Sigiriya, the Ancient City of Dambulla and the Sacred City of Kandy. Due to the constructions and associated historical events, some of which are millennia old, these sites are of high universal value; they are visited by many pilgrims, both laymen and the clergy, as well as by local and foreign tourists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jetavanaramaya</span> Dagoba in North Central Province, Sri Lanka

The Jetavanarama stupa or Jetavanaramaya is a stupa, or Buddhist reliquary monument, located in the ruins of Jetavana monastery in the UNESCO world heritage city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. At 122 metres (400 ft), it was the world's tallest stupa, and the third tallest structure in the world when it was built by King Mahasena of Anuradhapura (273–301). He initiated the construction of the stupa following the destruction of the Mahaviharaya of Anuradhapura. His son Kithsirimevan completed the construction of the stupa, and it was renovated by Parakramabahu I of Polonnaruwa. A part of a sash or belt tied by the Buddha is believed to be the relic that is enshrined here.

Atamasthana or Eight sacred places are a series of locations in Sri Lanka where the Buddha had visited during his three visits to the country. The sacred places are known as Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanarama, Mirisaveti Stupa and Lankarama. They are situated in Anuradhapura, the capital of the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Architecture of ancient Sri Lanka</span>

The architecture of ancient Sri Lanka displays a rich diversity, varying in form and architectural style from the Anuradhapura Kingdom through the Kingdom of Kandy (1469–1815). Sinhalese architecture also displays many ancient North Indian influences. Buddhism had a significant influence on Sri Lankan architecture after it was introduced to the island in the 3rd century BC, and ancient Sri Lankan architecture was mainly religious, with more than 25 styles of Buddhist monasteries. Significant buildings include the stupas of Jetavanaramaya and Ruwanvelisaya in the Anuradhapura kingdom and further in the Polonnaruwa Kingdom. The palace of Sigiriya is considered a masterpiece of ancient architecture and ingenuity, and the fortress in Yapahuwa and the Temple of the tooth in Kandy are also notable for their architectural qualities. Ancient Sri Lankan architecture is also significant to sustainability, notably Sigiriya which was designed as an environmentally friendly structure.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dambulla cave temple</span> UNESCO World Heritage Site in Matale District, Sri Lanka

Dambulla cave temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a World Heritage Site (1991) in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 kilometres (92 mi) east of Colombo, 72 kilometres (45 mi) north of Kandy and 43 kilometres (27 mi) north of Matale.

Yapahuwa was one of the ephemeral capitals of medieval Sri Lanka. The citadel of Yapahuwa lying midway between Kurunagala and Anuradhapura was built around a huge granite rock rising abruptly almost a hundred meters above the surrounding lowlands.

Minneriya is a small town in Sri Lanka that is famous for two things — the great Minneriya lake built by King Mahasen and Minneriya National Park which is a hot spot for safari lovers because of its abundance of elephants. Furthermore, it is near the tourist-friendly Habarana and the world heritage sites Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Capital of Sri Lanka</span>

The current legislative capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte and the executive and judicial capital is Colombo. Over the course of the island's history, the national capital has been in several locations other than Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, the following is a list of cities which have historically served as the capital city of Sri Lanka and its predecessor states.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polonnaruwa Vatadage</span> Ancient structure in Sri Lanka

The Polonnaruwa Vatadage is an ancient structure dating back to the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa of Sri Lanka. It is believed to have been built during the reign of Parakramabahu I to hold the Relic of the tooth of the Buddha or during the reign of Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa to hold the alms bowl used by the Buddha. Both these venerated relics would have given the structure a great significance and importance at the time. Located within the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, it is the best preserved example of a vatadage in the country, and has been described as the "ultimate development" of this type of architecture. Abandoned for several centuries, excavation work at the Polonnaruwa Vatadage began in 1903.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vatadage</span>

A vaṭadāge is a type of Buddhist structure found in Sri Lanka. It also known as a dage, thupagara and a cetiyagara. Although it may have had some Indian influence, it is a structure that is more or less unique to the architecture of ancient Sri Lanka. Vatadages were built around small stupas for their protection, which often enshrined a relic or were built on hallowed ground. Circular in shape, they were commonly built of stone and brick and adorned with elaborate stone carvings. Vatadages may have also had a wooden roof, supported by a number of stone columns arranged in several concentric rows.

The National Trust - Sri Lanka or National Trust for Cultural and Natural Heritage is a non-profit organisation, which works to preserve and protect the natural and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka and to increase public awareness of the country's historic and architectural treasures. The Trust was founded on 25 May 2005 by archaeologists, Professor Senake Bandaranayake and Doctor Roland Silva.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Department of Archaeology (Sri Lanka)</span>

The Department of Archaeology is a non-ministerial government department in Sri Lanka responsible for managing the archaeological heritage.

References

  1. ↑ "The World Heritage Convention". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 27 August 2016. Retrieved 21 September 2010.
  2. ↑ "Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 1 February 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 "Sri Lanka". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 19 May 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
  4. ↑ "UNESCO World Heritage Centre – The Criteria for Selection". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 12 June 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
  5. ↑ "Sacred City of Anuradhapura: Advisory Body Evaluation (ICOMOS) / Évaluation de l'organisation consultative (ICOMOS)". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 5 July 2020. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  6. ↑ "Sacred City of Anuradhapura". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 7 July 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  7. ↑ "Ancient City of Polonnaruwa: Advisory Body Evaluation (ICOMOS) / Évaluation de l'organisation consultative (ICOMOS)". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 28 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  8. ↑ "Ancient City of Polonnaruwa". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 28 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  9. ↑ "Ancient City of Sigiriya: Advisory Body Evaluation (ICOMOS) / Évaluation de l'organisation consultative (ICOMOS)". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 5 July 2020. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  10. ↑ "Ancient City of Sigiriya". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 6 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  11. ↑ "Sacred City of Kandy: Advisory Body Evaluation (ICOMOS) / Évaluation de l'organisation consultative (ICOMOS)". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 5 July 2020. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  12. ↑ "Sacred City of Kandy". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 1 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  13. ↑ "Sinharaja Forest Reserve". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 2 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  14. ↑ "Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications: Advisory Body Evaluation (ICOMOS) / Évaluation de l'organisation consultative (ICOMOS)". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 5 July 2020. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  15. ↑ "Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 2 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  16. ↑ "Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 26 December 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  17. ↑ "Central Highlands of Sri Lanka". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 26 December 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  18. ↑ "Tentative Lists". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 1 April 2016. Retrieved 7 October 2010.
  19. ↑ "Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 11 May 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  20. ↑ "Seruwila to Sri Pada (Sacred Foot Print Shrine), Ancient pilgrim route along the Mahaweli river in Sri Lanka". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 11 May 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  21. ↑ "Ancient Ariyakara Viharaya in the Rajagala Archaeological Reserve". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 11 May 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
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