Gangaramaya Temple

Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Sri Lanka. The Temple’s architecture demonstrates an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture.  It was built in the 19th century by a shipping merchant.  Today Gangaramaya serves not only as a place of Buddhist worship, it is also a centre of learning. It houses a vocational school and orphanage.  Gangaramaya Temple also includes several imposing buildings. It has the main features of a Vihara temple, the Cetiya (Pagada) the Bodhitree, the Vihara Mandiraya, the Seema malaka (assembly hall for monks) and the Relic Chamber. Most notable is the architecture of the Simamalaka Shrine, which was built with donations from a Muslim sponsor to the design of Geoffrey Bawa (1919-2003).  Elephants can also be admired.