Page 38 - RASAS 2025

10 Ruhuna Arts Student’s Annual Sessions (RASAS) -2025
th

A Study on Promoting Cultural Tourism Based on the Yapahuwa
Archaeological Site

*1
D.G.T.V. Thennakoon , R.L. Sandalika 2
Department of History and Archaeology, University of Ruhuna
thilushaviraj2@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Yapahuwa Fortress is in the Mahawa Divisional Secretariat of the Kurunegala District in the Northwestern
Province of Sri Lanka. As mentioned in the Mahavamsa, Yapahuwa is a monumental fortress with many highly

advanced technological features built on a massive pillar with defensive walls, ramparts, gates, steps, and
moats. According to the Mahavamsa, it began as a defensive fort in the 13th century. The primary objective
of this study is to explore how to promote a stronger tourist attraction to the Yapahuwa archaeological site and

how archaeology can contribute to the growth of the country's economy through it. It is also significant to
develop the necessary facilities for tourists. This research is expected to be conducted using qualitative research
methods, and the necessary data will be collected through field surveys. In addition, information related to the

research topic will be collected through a library survey. Tourists have been visiting the Yapahuwa Fort, but
there are limitations. Its access roads are in a dilapidated condition, the toilet system is inadequate, and the

facilities to obtain water and the shops for tourists to obtain necessary materials are limited. The weakness of
transport facilities is the main factor. The Yapahuwa project, which has been launched by the Central Cultural
Fund with the support of the Department of Archaeology since 1980, is conserving, managing, and excavating

Yapahuwa as a fort and as an archaeological site that attracts tourists. However, no significant development
has been seen from it. It also appears that new improvements and tourist attractions are at a limited level.

Therefore, it is necessary to improve those facilities to attract tourists and make archaeology contribute to the
economic development of the country through their arrival.

Keywords: Defensive walls, Fortress, Moats, Pillars, Rampart

10