Mahawalatenna Walawwa

Mahawalatenna Walawwa, the estate associated with the world’s first female Prime Minister, is located in the Mahawalatenna Grama Niladhari Division under the jurisdiction of Balangoda Pradeshiya Sabha. The name “Mahawalatenna” often reminds people of Madam Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the world’s first female Prime Minister. The Walawwa originally belonged to her mother, Rosamund Hilda Constance Mahawalatenna. Although various books mention different years for its origin, no record provides a precise source. The current owner is Mallika Ratwatte, a former Member of Parliament from Balangoda and a relative of Sirimavo Bandaranaike. The Mahawalatenna lineage is recognized as a prominent family in Sabaragamuwa. Its founder is considered to be A.D.N. Mahawalatenna, an administrator mentioned in historical chronicles as a loyal ally of the Sinhala kings. Initially, he lived in a Walawwa in Godakumbura and brought his cattle ranch to the Mahawalatenna Great Forest for grazing. On one occasion, while observing his herd, he dismounted his horse and noticed a curious natural event where a jackal chased a hawk, causing a remarkable scene that led him to consider the place auspicious. The administrator subsequently built the Walawwa at this location. Historical study suggests that Mahawalatenna Walawwa was established in the late 1700s. Its significance is further highlighted by its connection to the birth of the world’s first female Prime Minister and Sri Lanka’s first executive President.