entrance view of National Museum of Ratnapura with tourists

National Museum of Ratnapura: Explore beautiful culture.

National Museum of Ratnapura: Explore beautiful culture.

✈️ Why should you visit Sigiriya?

The National Museum of Ratnapura is a significant cultural destination in Sri Lanka, housed in the historic Ehelepola Walauwa, which showcases the pre-history, natural heritage, and cultural artifacts of the Sabaragamuwa Province.
  • Historic Building: The museum is located in “Ehelepola Walauwa,” a historic mansion that belonged to Ehelepola Nilame, an important figure in the Kingdom of Kandy.
  • Diverse Exhibits: It features a wide range of exhibits, including prehistoric artifacts, natural heritage items, and cultural artifacts specific to the Sabaragamuwa Province.
  • Unique Weaponry: Visitors can see a collection of weapons, including traditional Sinhala swords and old guns, such as a Vickers machine gun from the British colonial period
  • Traditional Cooking Tools: The museum showcases traditional cooking utensils, like a special pan for making rice flour cakes called kiri roti.
  • Paleobiodiversity Park: The museum grounds include a park with life-sized sculptures of extinct animals that once lived in the region, such as the Gavara, a relative of the bison.

Entity

Government

Entrance

Paid

Wheelchair Access

No

Water

Available

Restaurants

Available

Toilets

Available

District: Ratnapura

Reach

Any vehicle

Road Quality

Good

Public Transport

Available

traditional Sri Lankan cultural exhibits inside Ratnapura Museum
interior of Ratnapura National Museum showcasing ancient tools
educational museum exhibits at Ratnapura heritage site
historical artifacts displayed at Ratnapura Museum

Guidelines

Opening Hours & Tickets : Check museum opening hours in advance. Purchase tickets at the entrance before entering. Photography Restrictions : Ask permission before taking photos. Flash photography may be restricted in certain exhibits. Bags & Food Policy : Large bags, food, or drinks are not allowed inside. Use lockers or leave items at designated areas.