Kelaniya Temple, Colombo

Kelaniya Temple is a significant Buddhist sanctuary. According to Buddhist tradition, the temple's sanctity dates back to the third and final visit of the Buddha to Sri Lanka, preceding 500 BCE. The Mahawansa documents the original Stupa's construction, enshrining a gem-studded throne where the Buddha delivered sermons. Despite challenges such as land confiscation during the Portuguese era, the temple was rejuvenated under Dutch patronage and later renovated in the 20th century.

Among its notable features, Kelaniya Temple boasts an image of the reclining Gautama Buddha and intricate paintings by Solias Mendis, illustrating pivotal moments in Buddha's life and Sri Lanka's Buddhist history, including Jataka tales. Additionally, the temple hosts the Duruthu Maha Perahera procession annually in January, drawing crowds to witness this cultural spectacle. Standing tall within the temple grounds is an impressive 18-foot stone statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.