Maduwanwela Walawwa
About This Museum
People don't just come here to see an old house; they come to hear the whispers of a bygone era, to stand where a legendary chieftain once held court. The Walawwa feels less like a sterile museum and more like a sprawling, slightly eccentric family home that has simply paused in time. You can almost feel the presence of Maduwanwela Maha Disawe himself in the very grain of the timber and the cool of the clay tiles. It’s a place that leaves you with a profound sense of connection to the island's layered history.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the Disawe's personal four-poster bed, carved from a single Margosa tree, or the 'Muttettuwa'—the central courtyard where he settled village disputes. The real showstopper for many is his formal court dress, complete with medals, laid out as if he might return at any moment.
Visitor Information
It's tucked away just off the Colombo-Batticaloa road near Suriyakanda, so keep an eye out for the signs. The caretakers are often around, full of stories you won't find on any plaque.
Architecture & Building
A magnificent fusion of traditional Kandyan manor and colonial bungalow styles, with thick walls, wide verandas, and a complex layout of interconnected rooms and courtyards designed for both family life and official duties.
Contact & Location
Address: Maduwanwela Walawwa, Embilipitiya - Panamure - Sooriyakanda Road, Pitawala, Embilipitiya, Ratnapura District, Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94 452 233 737
Website: Visit Website
