Introduction & Etymology of Seethawaka (Sita Waka) 

Sitawaka is a suburb of Avissawella in Colombo district which consist of rich natural diversity along with the Kelani Riverbank. Seethawaka was a capital city during King Rajasinghe 1 In 16th century. According to Ramayana yatra in Sri Lanka, Seethwaka is one of the places where Princess Sita was kept by King Ravana after abduction and the name “Seeth Waka” (Area of Sita) has derived with Ramayana trail of Lanka Pura. Considering these facts, Seethawaka is of the important Ramayana proof of Sri lanka.

According to the Ramayana Yatra in Lanka Pura, Seethawaka is the place where Ravana’s eldest son Indrajith beheaded in order to a look-alike of Princess Sita in front of Lord Hanuman during the battle between King Ravana & King Rama assuming that the advancing of King Rama’s forces will stop. But the strategy was not successful as planned by Ravan, and the King Rama did not convinceded that his wife Princess Sita was actually dead.

Rampathagala in Seethawaka 

Rampathagala, in English its “Golden Foot Stone” is a granite with foot mark located in Seethawaka Ramayana site which believed to be a King Rama’s foot print when he was arrived Seethawaka during the battle between King Rama & King Ravan. 

Sitawaka fort

Sitawaka fort built by the King Rajasinghe in his kingdom in Avissawella, Sri Lanka. It was connected with the palace of king Rajasinha I. The fort had been mounted with cannon on the riverbank. Sitawaka fort has been destroyed during colonial period aong with palace of king and only the ruins can be seen today.

Seethawaka Kovil (Legend)

Rama Sita cultural event held in India & some other countries annually and the ceremonies conclude after burning an effigy of Ravana. In the Cleveland museum in Ohio America there is a drawing of ten headed Ravana been burnt. One can imagine how they dread this mighty Emperor. “Sevul Sandesaya” poem 94 states that there is a picture depicting Rama Ravana war drawn in the Seethawaka Kovil.

"Diya dam Ravulu yuda saha Bharata yudada
Manaram Kanda Kumaru pera kala dig yudada”

Reference

Sunday observer newspaper, 2008 Aug 24. Article “Ravana, mighty emperor of lanka”. By S.B Karalliyadda
Mr. S. Kalaiselvam (Former Director General of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority)
Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management – SLITHM
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (Ramayana Trail Sri Lanka) – SLTDA