Deepa Uyana and Nissankamalla Palace

"This area which is today called the Promontory, was amongst the many parks built by King Parakramabahu the Great (1153-1186 AD) and King Nissankamalla (1187-1196 AD). Anciently it was referred to as the "Dipuyyana" in Pali meaning an Island Garden. The "Chulavamsa (Chornicle)" mentions some of the constructions that graced this beautiful Island garden The "Dhavalaghara" was a white house made entirely of stucco, the "Vidyamandapa" was a pavilion built to illustrate the various branches of science, the "Dolamandapa" was a swing pavilion , the "Kridamandapa" was a sports pavilion, the "Mayuramandapa" was the peacock Pavilion, the "Sanimandapa" was the Pavilion of Saturn, and it was made out of Ivory, Adasamandapa was a Mirror Pavilion, . Srngaravimana of four storeys adorned with pictures . "Anantapushkarani" was pond of stone whose layers assembled the coils of the serpent king Ananta and Citrapuskarani or the picture pond adorned with pictures. During the time of king Nissankamalla , an inscription reveals that Nissankamala renamed Deepa Uyana as ” Kalinga Uyana” And that he built his magnificent palace of seven stories (within forty five days) and his council chamber here. Today the best preserved of the buildings found here is the council chamber of king Nissankamalla, positioned close to the Parakrama samudraya. The imposing granite lion sculpture at the south end of the building and heading the rows of pillars is believed to have comprised part of the kings throne."