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information about 28 gardens built by King Maha Parakumba and the gardens built by
King Nissankamalla. In the same way, garden designing can be mentioned as a main
part of city planning in Dambadeni, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala, Gampola, Kotte,
Seethawaka and Kandy eras.
The establishment of gardens in the vicinity of monasteries was also a special feature.
It is evident from the gardens around Kaludiya Pond in Mihintale. These gardens
consisted of small ponds, rock formations, steps, etc. between the monastic houses
built here and there. In the same way, during the Polonnaruwa era, gardens were
created around monasteries.
Galabedda Biso Pokuna (Queen’s
Pond)
Galabedda Queen’s Pond belonging
to the Galabedda area of
Kimbulawala Grama Niladhari
Domain in Siyambalanduwa
Divisional Secretariat Division of
Monaragala district. The pond is
also known among the locals as
Kellane-vala (the pit of girls)
(Manjula, 2025). Legends said that
this pond was used by Sugala Devi
who was the ruler of the Udundora, capital of
Map 1; Location of the Galabedda biso pond
the Atadahas Rata (Attasahassa) (Rathnayaka,
2008). As well there are few folklores related to the creation of the Queen’s Pond.
They are,
I. That it was done by King Kavantissa
It has been revealed from the inscriptions found in places like Kusalakanda,
Mottayakallu, Malayadi Kanda etc. in Ampara district that Prince Kavantissa was
engaged in development activities in Digamadulla before taking over the rule of
Ruhuna. According to those who have this opinion, this pond was built along with the
temple complex when stopped at a place called Galabedda on the way from
Digamadulla to Magama to take over the rule of Ruhuna after Gotabaya’s death. They
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