keteriya

{{Short description|Ancient weapon}}{{refimprove|date=May 2014}}

The keteriya is a form of battle axe that was used in ancient Sri Lanka.{{cite book|author=Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Ceylon Branch, Colombo|title=Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XNElAAAAMAAJ|year=1938|publisher=Colombo Apothecaries Company|pages=107–108}} A keteriya would consist of a single edge and a short handle made of wood, traditionally resembling a hatchet with a straight shaft. This would allow the user to wield it with a single hand. Commonly used as a weapon and a tool, it is still common in rural villages. Legend has it that it was the preferred weapon of the famous warrior King Gajabahu the First; as such it is part of the cap badge of the Gajaba Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army.