Kurugala Buddhist Monastery lies 18 kms off Balangoda and is a vast complex, which encompasses a vast outcrop of rock which is termed Kurugala. The complex has been declared an archeological reserve and dates back to the 2nd century BC. There are 30-40 rock caves that are believed to house around 2000-3000 people.
In the ancient era this monastery was named “Thandulayia Pabbatha.” The archeological site is now dwindling due to ethnic fundamentalists systematically destroying all evidence of a heritage which is 2000 years old. The rock was once a plethora of Brahmin inscriptions which are now fast fading off.
Archeological evidence portrays that Kurugala was one the habitat of human in the pre-historic era. Excavations have revealed human skeletons which according to archeologists belong to human of 8000 years ago. Stone tools, fossilized bones portions have also been found. Further it is believed that humans during this era has very close connections with the coastal area, as there have been seashells and clam shells found in the excavations.
Further the caves were also used as a Buddhist monastery during the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. A report submitted by C.H. Colins in 1932, reveals that there were two cave shelters which housed 2nd century Brahmin inscriptions and stone lintels, stairways and platforms which are situated at the end of the Kurugala area. The Buddhist area was initially constructed for Buddhist monks by the villagers in the area. It is said that these caves provided shelter to the Buddhist monks during the monsoon seasons
At the top of the Kurugala stands a Stupa constructed of brick and has now been declared an archeological monument. The Stupa is of the traditional Akasa Chaithya which variety of Stupa was constructed in the 7th century CE to serve as a communication beacon. However, to this date there is much controversy regarding this area.