About Samangala Aranya Senasanaya

Samangala Aranya Senasanaya or Samangala Forest Hermitage is an ancient Cave temple in Ampara, Sri Lanka. The temple is located west from the Kohombana junction of Ampara - Mahaoya main road, approximately 23 km (14 mi) away from the Ampara town. The monastery has been formally recognised by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka.
Stupa with sitting Buddhas around it, in the Dambulla complex of cave monasteries, Sri Lanka

Buddhist caves in Sri Lanka – Place of early Sanghas

According to traditional Sri Lankan chronicles such as the Mahavamsa and the Dipavamsa, Buddhism was introduced into the island in the third century BCE after the Third Buddhist council by the elder Mahinda and by the elder nun Sangamitta. Mahinda is associated with the site of Mihintale, one of the oldest Buddhist site in Sri Lanka. Mihintale includes numerous which may have been used by the early Sri Lankan sangha. While there is few artistic .