- Location : 18 km from Katharagama town but located in Hambanthota District in Southern Province
- Importance : Sithulpawwa Raja Maha Viharaya / Sithulpawwa Rock Temple is an ancient
Buddhist temple inside the Yala National Park. As per the historical records this temple was built
by King Kavantissa during the 2 nd century of BC. Sithulpawwa is a Buddhists Monastery having
more than 2000 years history and a Buddhists education center for Buddhists Monks.
Sithulpawwa is great sacred place because lot of Arahant Theros (Buddhists monks who attained
Nirvana) were stayed here during the 2000 years ago. There is a Relic house, Stupa, Stone Vihara
and Images, ancient paintings and meditation caves with in the Sithulpawwa Monastery
premises.
The name “Sithulpawwa” means 'the hill of quiet minds'. The Sithulpawwa temple is located in
very calm and quiet surrounding inside the Yala National park and it can be seen wild animals
with in the temple premises also.
