An abandoned fortress dating back to the Portuguese period was found within thick wilderness in Madagammana, Panawala, Dehiowita in the Kegalle district on October 17 following information provided by the public in the surrounding area, Director General of Archaeology P. B. Mandawala said.
It is believed to have been built between the period 1515 to 1540 after the Seetavakapura invasion to gain easy access to Sabaragamuwa, he said. Mandawala said Portuguese features including insignia were found unscathed within the fortress premises. The fortress had been built to cover three sides. The location seemed to belong to the prehistoric period.
Even though historical records stated the existence of such a fortress it could not be discovered until now. Since it had historic value urgent steps would be taken to conserve it.
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