Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock approximately 180 metres (590 ft) high. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Cūḷavaṃsa, this area was a large forest, then after storms and landslides it became a hill and was selected by King Kashyapa (477 – 495 AD) for his new capital. He built his palace on top of this rock and decorated its sides with colorful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure; Sīnhāgiri, the Lion Rock (an etymology similar to Sinhapura, the Sanskrit name of Singapore, the Lion City)

Dambulla is part of the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. Five caves made of living rock and decorated with sculptures and murals are the most significant heritage. Pre-Brahmi inscriptions dating back to the third century BC, and murals from the eighteenth centuries, show human activity over a long time. This site was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. The Dambulla Project, Central Cultural Fund, was responsible for mural conservation from 1982 to 1998. The Dambulla Project, which is the only research center for murals and headquarters for mural conservation, also maintains Sri Lanka's only mural museum. This Project is also responsible for mural conservation in the surrounding temples. It is located at Dambulla Cave Temple.