Ambuluwawa marks 30 yrs. as SL’s unique cultural and spiritual hub

Perched 3,765 feet above sea level in Gampola, Ambuluwawa Religious and Biodiversity Centre celebrated its 30th anniversary on 27 March. The centre is recognised as a rare destination where natural beauty, religious harmony, and cultural experiences come together.

To mark the milestone, the centre hosted several events, including the groundbreaking of the Niyangoda Vijithasiri International Library, monk training programmes, a Ramadan fasting completion ceremony, and a special Bodhi Puja.

The centre was built to encourage religious and cultural diversity in a country where different people from different races, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds come together as one.

Revered religious leaders, including Mahanayake Warakagoda Gnananarathana Thero, Makulave Vimal Thero, and Karagoda Uyangoda Maithrimurthi Thero, along with dignitaries like Pradeep Nilanga Dela, Diyawadana Nilame, attended the celebrations.

"On this 30th anniversary, we organised programmes with a prayer that the world may live in peace and joy,”  Chief Guest and Ambuluwawa Religious and Biodiversity Centre Chairperson Anuradha Jayaratne said.

The event included religious observances where people from all walks of life could gather and join in if they choose to. 

Established in 1996 under the vision of the then Minister of Agriculture, Lands, and Forestry, D. Jayaratne, Ambuluwawa was conceived as more than just a development project. It was designed as a space where religious coexistence could be actively demonstrated. At a time when the country was facing religious and social tensions, the initiative sought to create a practical model of harmony by integrating places of worship representing Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity within a single complex. Today, it stands as a living example of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among different faiths.

The centre spans over 1,000 hectares, with 112 hectares dedicated to biodiversity conservation. Around 8% of foreign tourists visiting Sri Lanka include Ambuluwawa in their travel plans. The complex offers more than 40 attractions that combine education, recreation, and spirituality. Future developments, including a cable car project, promises to bring in a more visitor-friendly experience while also catering to accessibility requirements of those who are differently abled. “We hope to see this region developed soon,” Jayaratne said. 

The newly opened meditation centre was large and spacious, allowing both local and foreign visitors to explore and experience the peace that the centre provides. Visitors are also encouraged to discover their spiritual side by being at peace with nature. The premises also provide spiritual education opportunities for all those who need it. 

The governance of Ambuluwawa is structured under Act No. 44 of 2009, which ensures regulatory oversight through the Auditor General’s Department and includes permanent representation from relevant Government Ministries. Under the leadership of its governing board, chaired by Jayaratne, the complex has seen significant financial and infrastructural growth. Between 2019 and 2024, revenue reportedly increased 21-fold, while capital assets rose from approximately Rs. 372 million to Rs. 1.4 billion. This growth reflects both improved management practices and the increasing demand for the site as a premier destination.

In an era where people are constantly exploring and open to embracing new cultures and ways of life, the concept sounds like an opportunity for anyone looking for an escape. 

The new premises are surrounded by great natural beauty including hills, sprawling forests that provide a much needed escape from the heat of the city and the birds and animals one can see along the way. The area promises to give visitors the peace and quiet they so desperately crave.

Ambuluwawa’s significance is reinforced by senior monastic leaders and national figures. Over three decades, it has emerged as a model of sustainable development and a key destination for both local and international visitors seeking cultural, spiritual, and natural experiences.

Source - The Morning