The Kotte Heritage Foundation: Guardians of a Forgotten Fortress
Welcome to the Kotte Heritage Foundation (KHF). In a bustling suburb of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, the nation’s legislative capital, lies a history waiting to be rediscovered. Beneath the modern roads and amidst the urban sprawl, the remnants of one of Sri Lanka’s most significant medieval kingdoms lie sleeping. Our mission is to wake that history, protect it, and pass it on.
The Establishment of the Kotte Heritage Foundation
The Kotte Heritage Foundation was established in response to growing concerns over the protection and conservation of the rich archaeological and historical heritage of the Kingdom of Kotte.
In 2015, an important archaeological site in Kotte was destroyed following approval granted by the Department of Archaeology. Prior to the destruction, it was brought to the attention of the then Director General of Archaeology that historical Dutch maps clearly identified the location of the Inner City Gate of the ancient fortress of Kotte. According to these maps, the gate was situated in the area occupied today by the Salvation Army Church and the property on the opposite side of the road. Historical evidence also indicated that the gate had been constructed on a natural kabuk stone foundation.
During the archaeological investigation, the natural kabuk (laterite) layer was excavated and interpreted as having no archaeological significance! The historical cartographic evidence identifying the location of the gate was not accepted in the assessment. This incident raised serious concerns among researchers and heritage enthusiasts regarding the interpretation of archaeological evidence and the consideration given to historical maps in heritage management. It also highlighted the vulnerability of Kotte’s archaeological remains and the urgent need for stronger advocacy for their protection.
Recognising that the heritage of Kotte required an independent body to promote research, raise public awareness, and advocate for the preservation of its archaeological and historical resources, a group of concerned citizens resolved to establish the Kotte Heritage Foundation.
Accordingly, on 9 May 2015, Prasad Fonseka, Dr. R. G. Bulathsinghala, Ishan Wiratunga, Terence Rodrigo, W. D. L. Mahilal, and Lakshman Perera met at the residence of Mr. Lakshman Perera and formally decided to establish the Kotte Heritage Foundation. Since its inception, the Foundation has been dedicated to the documentation, conservation, promotion, and protection of the cultural heritage of the ancient Kingdom of Kotte for the benefit of present and future generations.
We are not politicians, nor are we preachers. We are simply custodians.
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Our Core Identity
At our heart, the KHF is defined by a simple, powerful commitment: The KHF shall be a non-partisan, non-political and non-religious Association, with preservation of the Heritage of Kotte as its sole aim, with its membership consisting of persons of all ethnicities of Sri Lanka.
This means we welcome you—regardless of your political views, religious beliefs, or ethnic background. Our only qualification for membership is a shared love for the ancient Kingdom of Kotte. We believe heritage is a bridge, not a barrier. It belongs to all Sri Lankans, and we are its voluntary guardians.
What We Protect: Defining “Kotte”
You might ask, where exactly does our work take place? According to our constitution, “Kotte” refers to the physical area of operation of KHF in regard to monuments and artifacts [as] the ancient Fortress and Historic City Centre, along with its hinterland which is of Archaeological interest.
From the wetlands with its teeming birdlife and replies to the remains of ramparts and moats which once defended this City we focus on the historic heart of the city and its surrounding lands that still hold archaeological secrets.
Our Primary Mission: Action, Not Just Words
We are an action-oriented foundation. Our primary aims are not merely to admire the past but to actively conserve it. We exist to identify, demarcate and conserve all monuments of Historical and Archaeological value relating to the ancient Kingdom of Kotte and to take all possible precautionary measures to prevent encroachment, further destruction and to ensure preservation of the Heritage of Kotte.
To turn this vision into reality, we work on the ground through a clear 10-point plan, including:
- Advocacy: We persuade authorities to officially identify monuments and display informative historical boards.
- Safeguarding: We work to ensure the KHF is consulted before any development work is approved in the specified area.
- Rapid Response: We intervene whenever a monument is threatened, maintaining close connections with media organizations to educate the public and expose offences.
- Working with Residents: We actively educate the current residents of the ancient city. We want them to know that we have no intention of acquiring their lands—rather, we see them as the proud custodians of the monuments on their properties.
We do not work alone. The KHF maintains cordial relationships with key authorities, including the Archaeological Department, the Kotte Municipal Council, the Urban Development Authority, the Tourism Authority, and the Land Commissioner’s Department, among others.
Beyond Conservation: Our Secondary Goals
Protecting stones and structures is only half the story. Heritage is also about people, knowledge, and the future. Therefore, our secondary aims include:
- Researching the Genealogy of the descendants of the ancient families of Kotte.
- Educating School Children in the area about the value of protecting monuments.
- Organizing Seminars and Workshops to popularize our objectives.
Join Us
The Kotte Heritage Foundation is more than just an organization; it is a movement to reclaim the dignity of our shared past. Whether you are a historian, a student, a resident of Kotte, or simply a concerned citizen, there is a place for you here.
Together, we can ensure that the echoes of the Kingdom of Kotte are never silenced by time or neglect.