Sigiriya is the famous rock fortress of King Kasyapa built in 5th century AD. This historical site is situated eighteen miles to the North of Matale. It is a popular place for tourists and local visitors.
Kasyapa ascended the throne after killing his father King Dhatusena and then feared that his older brother Mugalan might come with his army to avenge his father’s death. So he built this rock fortress which is nearly 600 feet in height. It is called Sigiriya because the entrance to the top of the rock is between the paws of a huge lion made of brick. The rock with the palace on its summit was the centre of a city enclosed by high ramparts and deep moats for its security. In the palace you can see gardens, ponds, pavillions and the mirror wall which evokes our admiration.
On the sides of the rock there are many caves. In one of the caves we see frescoes in various postures. Even after a lapse of centuries the colours have not faded. The Sigiri frescoes are world famous and are similar to the frescoes of Ajantha in India.
L. Sathurshika,
Grade 10 E,
St. Mary’s College,
Bogawanthalawa.