Historical monuments

Cut from a single granite wall, the statues of Lord Buddha, at Gal Vihara (rock shrine) in Polonnaruwa rank among the finest in Sri Lanka. The statues were carved in 12th century A.D. and have weathered the elements remarkably un-touched. The statue shown here is that of the seated Lord Buddha.

On the Southern side of the Parakrama Samudra (Polonnaruwa) is a striking stone statue of a bearded man holding in his hands what seems to be book (written on palm leaves). The care-worn expression hints at royalty and popular belief identifies it as a statue of Parakramabahu the Great.

Aukana Buddha
This 42 1/2 feet (13 meters) high statue carved out of solid granite goes back to the 5th century to the reign of King Dathusena. it is said that on a rainy day one can see droplets of water falling off the tip of the statue's nose hitting the ground exactly between the toes.- a testament to the architectural accuracy of the sculptor.