Athurugiriya
| Athurugiriya අතුරුගිරිය அத்துருகிரிய | |
|---|---|
| Suburb | |
| Motto: Colombo | |
  Athurugiriya Location of Athurugiriya in Sri Lanka | |
| Coordinates: 6°53′32″N 79°56′34″E / 6.89222°N 79.94278°ECoordinates: 6°53′32″N 79°56′34″E / 6.89222°N 79.94278°E | |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Province | Western Province |
| District | Colombo District |
| Elevation | 30 m (100 ft) |
| Population | |
| • Suburb | 84,278 |
| • Urban | 5,799 |
| • Metro | 78,479 |
| Time zone | SLT (UTC+5:30) |
| Postal Code | 10150 [1] |
Athurugiriya is a suburb of Colombo city in Colombo District, Sri Lanka. It is situated on the Kotte-Bope Road (B 240) about 15 km away from the centre of the commercial capital Colombo. This suburb is a highly sought after residential center in Colombo city.
King Walagamba also use this place as a hiding place before he chased away the South Indian invaders.
History
History of the area dates back to at least 212 BC. Historic cave temple complex Korathota Raja maha Vihara located 3 km north from the city centre.
Brahmi inscriptions on the cave temple mention a dedication from the daughter of King Walagamba and a local official. This temple has two important historical inscriptions, which says this temple was offer to Maha Sanga by a daughter of Mahachula Mahatissa. Second one says one cave offered to Maha Sanga by a provincial leader call Sumana.