Keppetipola Walawwa - Matale 2

Hulangamuwa Walawwa (Mansion) in Matale, the residence of late Monarawila Keppetipola Disawa is expected to be renovated to preserve its historical value, as part of a government plan.

Keppetipola Disawa gave the leadership to the 1818 Rebellion against the British colonial rule. He was subsequently arrested by the British and beheaded for his role in the rebellion.

Hulangamuwa Walawwa, a 14-room two-storeyed mansion was used by the Disawa as his residence during his last years. The upper floor of the mansion is made of wood and the roof has Sinhala tiles. The land in which the mansion is located, was 3 ½ acres in extent in 1960. It has now been reduced to 60 perches.

Several large stone pillars of the horse and elephant stables, which were used when the Disawa was living are still visible in the compound. The residence has been inherited by Disawa’s son, Lokubanda Monarawila and his wife Dunuwila Kumarihami and was later passed on to the next generation of the clan of Monarawila Keppetipola Disawa and Dunuwila Kumarihami.

The mansion was subsequently inherited by their son, William Armstrong Monarawila Keppetipola and his spouse Lilawathi Ratwatte Kumarihami. Later, their son Upali Monarawila and his spouse Bandara Menika Mallika Ratnayake resided in the house. Today, their daughter Dananjani Keppetipola and her husband Hulangamuwa and their children live in the mansion.