Cultural Heritage in Wilpattu National Park

It's believed that the race of Sinhalese are direct descendents of King Vijaya of India. He entered Sri Lanka from the shores of "Kudira Malai". The sand on the beach is mainly copper colour, but some areas were pure black. This beach is called "Thambapanni".

It's said that there was a race of people already inhabiting Sri Lanka by the time King Vijaya came along. They were called "Yaksha". The princess of this race was called "Kuweni" & King Vijaya later married her & this is how it's said that the race of Sinhalese began.

Above is what remains of the Palace of Princess Kuweni where she met King Vijaya for the 1st time. The ruins still stand, deep inside the Wilpattu National Park.