Thonigala Brahmi Inscription: A Glimpse into Sri Lanka's Ancient Past

Introduction

Located in Anamaduwa, along the Puttalam - Kurunegala (A10) road, the Thonigala Brahmi Inscription is a significant historical site. Dating back to the 1st century BCE, these inscriptions provide valuable insights into Sri Lanka's ancient civilizations.

Historical Significance

• Dating Back to 50 - 47 BCE – The inscriptions belong to the reign of King Mahachuli Maha Tissa, son of King Walagamba (89 - 77 BCE).
• Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa Kingdoms – Several inscriptions from these ancient kingdoms can be found at Thonigala.
• Buddhist Monastery Grant – The inscription records a royal grant made to a Buddhist monastery, marking an important event in Sri Lankan history.
• Brahmi Script & Sinhala Language Origins – A rare early example of the evolution of the Sinhalese language and writing system.

Why Visit Thonigala Brahmi Inscription?

• Discover Sri Lanka’s Ancient Writing System – One of the oldest surviving Brahmi script inscriptions in the country.
• Explore Buddhist Heritage – Evidence of royal patronage to Buddhist monasteries from over 2,000 years ago.
• Easily Accessible – Located just 2 km from Anamaduwa town on the Puttalam - Kurunegala (A10) road between the 100-101 km posts.

Plan Your Visit

Location: Thonigala, Anamaduwa, Sri Lanka

How to Get There: Travel along the Puttalam - Kurunegala (A10) road and look for the site between the 100-101 km markers.

Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

Conclusion

The Thonigala Brahmi Inscription stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich history, early Sinhala language development, and Buddhist influence. It’s a must-visit for history lovers, linguists, and cultural explorers.

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