Kelaniya, located 7km east of Colombo on the Colombo Kandy road. Kelaniya is one of the main cities of Gampaha district south of Colombo district.
Colombo- Kandy A1 main motorway provides easy access to Kelanya. Travelling past Peliyagoda, Kelaniya is reached within the distance of 3km. The main town net to Colombo is Kiribatgoda. Travelling from Biyagama Free Trade Zone, Kelaniya can be approached on Peliyagoda Biyagama Road. The Kelaniya can be reached by Railway running from Colombo along Kelani Weli route.
Kelaniya in prehistory and history
Most of the important cities of Sri Lanka are associated with unbroken recorded history of Sri Lanka that runs as far back to 543 BC. Kelaniya runs still further to the pre-history of Sri Lanka. It is believed Buddha visited Kelaniya at the time of impending war between two kings of Naga tribe named Chulodara and Mahodara over a gem-studded throne. Following the appearance of Buddha, the war was averted. A stupa was built at Kelaniya enshrining the disputed gem studded throne.
Kelaniya’s place in the ancient history is of great significance; it was the city that gave birth to heroine of the nation, Queen Vihara Maha Devi, the mother of the Hero of the Nation, King Dutugamunu. In the medieval literary works of Sri Lanka called Sandesa Kavaya (Sinhala: message in verse) of Sri Lanka, the city of Kelaniya over the Kelaniya River had been described as one of great natural beauty.
Sri Lanka’s historical chronicle Mahawamsa narrates the visit of Gauthama Buddha to Kelaniya in 5th century BC. Kelaniya Temple was built to commemorate the visit of Buddha. Much venerated Kelaniya Temple attracts Sinhalese Buddhist from all parts of the island of Sri Lanka. The legendary and historical temple located on the banks of Kelani river that flows through the city, had been destroyed time again by the invaders of Sri Lanka yet reconstructed on each time. The modern temple is a major cultural attraction of Sri Lanka. The lovely stupa at Kelaniya temple is a fine example of ancient architectural style of stupa named “Paddy Heap.” Next to the grand stupa is the image house that features fine modern murals painted by Solias Mendis depicting the landmarks of the history of Sri Lanka.
