30 miles off Colombo the commercial capital of Sri Lanka lies the len vihara (cave temple) Pilikuththuwa Raja Maha Vihara, atop a mountain frontier.
It is believed that the Pilikuththuwa cave complex includes some 99 caves spread over an area of about 200 acres. The caves are cut with distinct drip ledges to prevent rain water from falling into the interior. 77 of these have been identified and their numbers are marked on each cave.
As indicated by archaeological excavations carried out in this area, there is evidence that Pilikuththuwa was inhabited during pre historic times.