The Buddha statue at Lankatilaka

The Buddha statue at Lankatilaka

The Buddha statue at Lankatilaka is situated in Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. It is a 14^th-century Buddhist temple which is in the south of Kiri Vehara. It was built by King Parakramabahu the great who ruled from 1153 to 1186 and made Sri Lanka a very prosperous country.

About the destination

The Buddha statue at Lankatilaka is made out of bricks and the outer walls of Lankatilaka are covered with elaborate designs and carvings. It is 41 feet in height and made specially using flat bricks. Currently, the area above the shoulder is destroyed.

When you go to the entrance of Lankathilaka there are two massive pillars made out of bricks among them the tallest one is 58 meters in height and it is believed that this might have been twice its height before its destruction.

Structure of Lankatilaka

Two stairways lead to the upper floors which are unique in design and the width of a step is about 4 inches and it is one foot tall. It is also a great example of Gedi-Ge style building and its most unique feature is the roofs that are made out of bricks in a semi-spherical fashion or as an arch. The stairs are designed in such a way so that the climbers will never be able to turn their back towards Buddha’s statue which is considered to be disrespectful.

Reaching the destination

From Colombo

Go on Colombo – Katunayake Expressway. Then take the Southern Expressway and take Atulugama Road to Morontuduwa Horana Road.

From Polonnaruwa

Go on Elahera road in Girithale. Then on Elahera – Giritale Road. Take Ambepussa – Kurunegala – Trincomalee Highway and continue on Atulugama Road. Drive to Morontuduwa Horana Road and drive to your destination.