Maduwanwela Walawwa (Maduwanwela Mansion), is a historic Walawwa (manor house) located in the Ratnapura District of Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka. 

Situated in the town of Maduwanwela between Embilipitiya and Suriyakanda, the mansion is approximately 207 km (129 miles) from Colombo. It is an important archaeological site and serves as a museum administered by the Department of Archaeology of Sri Lanka.

Historical Background
Maduwanwela Walawwa dates back to the reign of King Wimaladharmasuriya II (1687-1707 AD). The original structure was built by Maduwanwela Maha Mohottala in the early 1700s. Over the years, the Walawwa underwent multiple expansions carried out by the Maduwanwela family, with the final significant expansion being undertaken by Maduwanwela Maha Disawe in 1905. After the death of Maduwanwela Maha Disawe, the last of the Maduwanwela lineage, the property was passed on to Sir Francis Molamure.

Architectural Features
The mansion, during its peak from 1877 to 1905, boasted an impressive 121 rooms, 21 inner courtyards (known as Meda Midula), and was surrounded by a sprawling 32,000 hectares (80,000 acres) of land. However, due to subsequent changes and damages over time, only 43 rooms remain today.

One notable feature within the Walawwa grounds is a courthouse that could accommodate 100 people. Remarkably, some original furniture and equipment used for meting out punishments are still preserved in the building, offering visitors a glimpse into the judicial practices of that era.

Ownership and Modern Use
In 1974, the Maduwanwela Walawwa and its surrounding estate, known as Maduwanwela Nandigama Watte, were taken over by the state under the Land Reform Commission. Since then, it has been managed by the Department of Archaeology as a museum, showcasing its historical and cultural significance.

In a more recent development, in 2023, the Government of Sri Lanka leased 35 hectares (87 acres) of land from the estate to the Ceylon Tobacco Company for forest farming purposes, demonstrating an evolving approach to land management and use.

Today, Maduwanwela Walawwa stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich history and the architectural legacy of the country’s aristocratic families. It remains an important cultural and historical site, drawing both local and international visitors interested in exploring the past grandeur and significance of Sri Lankan manor houses.

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📸 credit to photographers