Lifelike Wax Figures Bring Kandyan History to Life

by Zulfick Farzan 17-07-2025 | 4:05 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake officially inaugurated the newly established Wax Museum at the historic Ehelepola Walawwa in Kandy this morning (17), marking a significant milestone in the preservation and celebration of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

The Ehelepola Walawwa, a landmark of the Kandyan Kingdom, was recently renovated by the Urban Development Authority and formally handed over to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

The Wax Museum was created within the premises to honor the site's archaeological and historical significance.

The museum showcases wax recreations of Kandyan architecture, customs, arts, and crafts, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient kingdom.

Exhibition stalls highlight traditional industries, while a dedicated dining area illustrates royal culinary practices, complete with authentic recipes.

A key attraction is the display of 35 lifelike wax figures representing prominent historical figures, including:

Ven. Weliwita Sri Saranankara Sangharaja Thera

Ven. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thera

King Wimaladharmasuriya I

Queen Kusumasana Devi

Monarawila Keppetipola Disawe

Devendra Mulachari

Governor Robert Brownrigg

Ehelepola Maha Adikaram, Kumarihami, and their two children

Designed by Athula Herath, a resident of Gampola, the museum was developed under the Ehelepola Walawwa Museum Special Project at a cost of Rs. 300 million.

The museum is expected to become a major cultural attraction for both local and international tourists, and a valuable educational resource for younger generations to explore the legacy of the Kandyan Kingdom.