The wax museum at the historic Ehelepola Palace in Kandy was officially inaugurated this morning (17) by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Following the formal handover of the renovated Ehelepola Palace by the Urban Development Authority to the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the new museum was established to preserve the site’s archaeological and cultural heritage.
The museum features wax recreations depicting the architecture, customs, and artistic expressions of the Kanda Udarata Kingdom, once centered at the Ehelepola Palace. It also houses exhibition stalls dedicated to traditional Kandyan crafts and showcases an ancient royal dining hall.
A total of 35 lifelike wax figures have been crafted to honor notable historical and religious figures, including:
- Venerable Weliwita Sri Saranankara Sangharaja Thero
- Venerable Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thero
- King Wimaladharmasuriya I
- Queen Kusumasana Devi
- Monarawila Keppetipola Disawa
- Devendra Mulachari
- British Governor Robert Brownrigg
- Ehelepola Mahadhikaram, his wife Kumarihamy, and their two children
Designed to reflect the dignity and historical pride of Sri Lanka, the museum is expected to draw significant interest from both local and international visitors to Kandy. It also aims to serve as an educational center where the present generation can explore and study the rich legacy of the Kandyan Kingdom.
The architect behind this initiative is Mr. Athula Herath, a resident of Gampola. The museum was developed as part of the special project under the Ehelepola Walawwa Museum initiative of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, with a total investment of Rs. 300 million.
The opening ceremony was graced by the Anunayake Theros of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya—Most Venerable Niyangoda Wijithasiri and Most Venerable Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma—and the Anunayake Theros of the Asgiri Chapter—Most Venerable Wendaruwe Upali and Most Venerable Anamaduwe Dhammadassi. Also in attendance were the Registrar and Karaka Sangha members of the Malwathu and Asgiri Ubhaya Maha Viharayas of the Shyamopali Maha Nikaya.
Among the dignitaries present were Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, K.D. Lalkantha; Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Pradeep Nilanga Dela; and a host of invited guests, including scholars from various academic and professional fields.
