Visumpaya, is an official residence of the Government
of Sri Lanka. It is located in Staple Street, Colombo. The
house has been used as residence for visiting heads of
state and local government ministers. The colonial style
two story bungalow was built as the Officer’s mess of
the Ceylon Rifle Regiment and was sold to the Colombo
Commercial Company in the late nineteenth century,
which was named as “Acland House” turned it into its head
office in Colombo. In 1971 the house was taken over by the
government following the nationalization of the Colombo
Commercial Company under the Business (Acquisition) Act
No. 35 of 1971. Since then the house with its large gardens
have played host to many official functions and visiting
heads of state and government have resided there. Anura
Bandaranaike former Minister and Speaker of Parliament
died while in residence at Visumpaya. It was used by the D.
M. Jayaratne, 14th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka as his official
residence.
Tomb of King Sitawaka Rajasinghe (සීතාවක පලමුවන රාජසිංහ සොහොන) is a historical site located on the Avissawella-Amithrigala road, close to the main road. King Rajasinghe I was a significant figure in Sri Lanka's history; Born as Tikiri Bandara, he led several battles against his brother-in-law, Veediye Bandara, ultimately earning the title Rajasinghe, the Lion King. One of his notable achievements was the “Bloody battle of Mulleriyawa” against the Portuguese army. Despite being equipped with more advanced firepower, the Portuguese were defeated by the Sinhalese army using their ancient fighting method called “Angam Pora”. The vast paddy field in Mulleriyawa reportedly turned red with the blood of the fallen Portuguese soldiers. Unfortunately, discontent among the Buddhist public and prelates contributed to the downfall of the Seethawaka kingdom. King Rajasinghe razed many Buddhist religious sites under the advice of his chief adviser, Aritta Kivendu, who converted to Hinduism. His last battle was with Konappu Bandara, who aimed to free the Kandyan Kingdom from Seethawaka. At the decisive battle at Balana, Rajasinghe's troops suffered defeat, and he retreated to the royal park at Pethangoda. Legend has it that he was struck by a fatal bamboo splinter in the foot, although this story remains subject to debate.
Kechimalai Mosque is located at the end of the Port of
Beruwala on a rocky surface. This mosque is believed
to be built in the 1024AD by the Muslim community of
the area as a place worship. The building has followed
the architectural style of the Middle East. With a
history dating back to several generations, Kechimalai
Mosque is believed to be the place where a vessel
came ashore with a family of royals who initiated the
local community.