A regional national museum in a historic Kandyan-era manor, exploring Sabaragamuwa's natural history, prehistory and folk culture.

Overview

The National Museum of Ratnapura occupies the Ehelepola Walauwa, a grand old manor house once belonging to Ehelepola Nilame, a courtier of the Kandyan Kingdom. Its galleries focus on the natural and cultural heritage of the Sabaragamuwa region, with displays of prehistoric fossils and animal remains found in the district's gem gravels, models of extinct fauna, geological and gem exhibits, and folk-culture artefacts. A quiet, shaded stop that adds depth to a gem-country visit.

History

The manor is named for Ehelepola Nilame, a senior official of the last kings of Kandy. The building was later taken over by the Department of National Museums and opened to the public as the National Museum of Ratnapura on 13 May 1988.