President opens country’s first wax museum at historic Ehelepola Walawwa in Kandy

Friday, 18 July 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Anura Kumara Disanayake yesterday inaugurated Sri Lanka’s first-ever wax museum, established at the historic Ehelepola Walawwa in Kandy, now restored and managed by the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Developed as part of a Rs. 300 million special heritage initiative, the museum is expected to become a major cultural attraction and educational hub on the Kandyan Kingdom.

The museum showcases 35 lifelike wax figures of key historical figures and features exhibits on Kandyan architecture, customs, crafts, and royal cuisine.

The wax figures include Ven. Weliwita Sri Saranankara Sangharaja Thera, Ven. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thera, King Wimaladharmasūriya I, Queen Kusumāsana Devi, Monarawila Keppetipola Disawe, Devendra Mulachari, Governor Robert Brownrigg, Ehelepola Maha Adikaram, Kumarihami, and their two children.

It is anticipated that this museum, designed to showcase Sri Lanka’s grandeur and pride, will be a major attraction for both local and international tourists visiting Kandy.

Athula Herath, a resident of Gampola, is the designer of the museum.

Among those present at the opening were Anunayake Theras of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siyam Maha Nikaya Ven. Dr. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera and Most Ven. Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Thera and Anunayake Theras of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya Most Ven. Wendaruwe Upali Thera and Most Ven. Anamaduwe Dhammadassi Thera, along with other revered monks from both the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya, including their Registrars and Executive Council Members.

Also in attendance were Agriculture Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Diyawadana Nilame (Chief Custodian) Pradeep Nilanga Dela, and a host of invited dignitaries and scholars from various fields.

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