Saradiel village named after Sri Lanka’s Robin Hood – By M.A.R.Manukulasooriya

The Saradiel village is an artificially created village at Mawanella in Kegalle along the Colombo-Kandy road to commemorate Soora Saradiel.

The village is at the foot of a Chimney like rock known as Uthuwankanda that stands 1,410 feet above sea level. This rock served as Saradiel’s hideout two centuries ago.

Saradiel vehemently fought against English imperialists and got labelled as a bandit by the British. But centuries later, his name and bravery echo over the rocky peaks of Uthuwankanda reminding us that he was not an outlaw but a hero. He was famed for his noble deeds. He is said to have stolen from the wealthy and distributed it among the poor.

This village spans across six acres, taking the visitor through different life courses and notable moments in Saradiel’s life. The village is full of sculptures.

The sculptures will not only educate you on Saradiel’s life but will make you comprehend the capricious way that the English used their law and order and how the administration blatantly discriminated against the locals based on their caste and race. People can witness in the village the sculptures of Hendrick Appuhamy’s Kopi Kade where Saradiel’s mother Pichohamy served. She is seen serving coffee while a Malay Police Officer enjoys a helapa (a local sweet wrapped in a leaf). In front of the shop, there is a gypsy snake charmer entertaining the passers-by with his acrobatic monkey.

Adjoining the coffee shop, there is a tavern. During the time of Saradiel, villagers used to drop here for a pint of toddy. The tavern had been run by Renda Rala (Renter) who did not have a good reputation among the villagers.

Other sculptures depict Blacksmith’s and carpentry workshops, a structure of an old house, a Sermaon Hall, the postman, the home garden, milking the cows, the farm house, bhikkhus walking on Pindapatha, agricultural equipment, a kitchen, an astrologer’s house, a native doctor’s house, an Arachchi’s house, jewellery industry, cinnamon cultivation, paddy field, bathing spot, distribution of money by Saradiel, Molligoda Walawwa, Mawanella brick bridge, gallows, prison and dandukanda.

Former Designated Medical Officer (DMO) of the Mavanella hospital Dr. Ariyasena U. Gamage set up the Saradiel village.