The Galagoda Sailathalaramaya, a Buddhist temple located 11 kilometres inland on Ambalangoda-Elpitiya road, houses the longest reclining Buddha statue in South Asia. The statue, depicting the parinirvana (passing away) of the Buddha, is 35 metres long and made out of cement.
Legend has it that the 800-year old statue was built by Devapathiraja, the Chief Minister of King Parakramabahu II who ruled from Dambadeniya in the 14th century AD. The image house is at the top of a hill, which can be reached by climbing 208 steps. A motor-able road has also been constructed for the convenience of those who find climbing difficult. The statue, which had been originally built on rock prior to its renovation, is so long that there are seven doorways to enter the inner chamber. The outer chamber houses standing statues of previous Buddhas measuring ten feet each along with two warring factions at the opposing ends - one led by the Sinhalese King Dutugemunu and the other by the Tamil King Elara.
Legend has it that the 800-year old statue was built by Devapathiraja, the Chief Minister of King Parakramabahu II who ruled from Dambadeniya in the 14th century AD. The image house is at the top of a hill, which can be reached by climbing 208 steps. A motor-able road has also been constructed for the convenience of those who find climbing difficult. The statue, which had been originally built on rock prior to its renovation, is so long that there are seven doorways to enter the inner chamber. The outer chamber houses standing statues of previous Buddhas measuring ten feet each along with two warring factions at the opposing ends - one led by the Sinhalese King Dutugemunu and the other by the Tamil King Elara.
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