Kenimadala is an architectural term utilised in medieval Sinhalese timber structures. It is used to describe the circular roof plate or structural member where the rafters, Ã ÂalÃÂkÃÂ, connect at the apex of a domed or conical roof. The roof of a dageba or cetiya, above the stupa were generally domical in shape and were constructed of timber rafters which were held together on the top by means of a circular boss or kenimandala.
It is also known as KannikÃÂ in Pali, which means 'sun-gate', as it represents the doorway where the worthy or arhat leave the world.