Punchi Sigiriya
Gonagolla Vihara is an ancient cave temple situated in Ampara District. The vihara is known as Punchi Sigiriya (Punchi- Little) by locals. The Lanka government has formally recognized this temple as an archeological site in Sri Lanka.
The history of Gonagolla Viharaya is dated to the Anuradhapura period of 377 BC – 1017 AD. Several inscriptions and a rock painting, which is believed to belong to the 5th century AD have been found.
Today, only two frescoes remain in one of the caves, a female dancer and a man painted with red, yellow, green, and white colors. The female dancer is almost identical to Sigiriya maidens. The female figure keeping her eyes downcast, she clasps her hands together, worshiping the male figure beside her.
In 1968 Prof. Paranavithana of cave walls adorned with frescoes similar to Sigiriya Frescoes at this site. Thus this location is better known as Little Sigiriya. The meditating Buddhist monks have adored the caves on this rock formation since the pre-Christian era. Even today, the site serves as a forest heritage site for a few meditating bhikkhus.
