LANKALIBRARY FORUM

Buddhangala Sanctuary

The Buddhangala Sanctuary was declared under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance by gazette extraordinary number 136 of 01.11.1974 and covers an extent of 1841.4 hectares.

Comprising wetlands and grasslands, the sanctuary supports a large number of species including birds and elephants. This area provides a habitat for over 100 species of birds and other animals.

Buddhangala is also important as an archeological site. In the middle of the sanctuary is the Buddhangala Aranya Senasanaya hermitage from which the place gets its name. Most of the area is rock strewn and the only large extent of arable land is on the eastern border of the sanctuary. The nearest town is Ampara, from which a road leads to the hermitage.