This short article is based on a visit to the historic Medirigiriya ruins on the 28th June 2026.
Visitors to Polonnaruwa often overlook The Medirigiriya ruins due to either ignorance or the less popularity it receives. Most Sri Lankans talk highly of the ancient ruins scattered in the cultural triangle which lies in the heart of Polonnaruwa city but not Medirigiriya. Medirigiriya is located about 15 km to the west of Polonnaruwa. The road to Medirigiriya ruins is a highly motorable one.
Medirigiriya monastery creates an important niche in the Buddhist history according to some historians who conducted researches with regard to the inception of this magnificent hallowed place. No research has yet found as to whose brainchild is the Medirigiriya monastery. However, it has been found that this monastery had been in operation between the 3rd century BC and 13 AD.
The place had been known as Mandalagiri and Madiligiri in certain periods of history. According to the Buddhist chronicals King Kanitta Tissa , King Agbo -2 and king Sena have made constructions in this place. Also some evidence have been found that king Wijayabahu -1 had renovated the Medirigiriya Monastery during the 11th century. Further, archaeologists have found evidence of an ancient hospital in the place. Perhaps certain Buddhist monks may have engaged in this purpose.
The monastery had been abandoned due to Maga invasion in the 13th century. Later, in 1897, H.C.P. Bell had discovered this place hidden from the public eye from the forest. The reconstruction work had been undertaken in 1941.
