Ancient Architecture of Sri Lanka./ Kiri Vihare and Lankathilaka Vihare(Polanaruwa)

5. Kiri Vehere
Situated in the southern province of Sri Lanka, it is one of the main shrines. Kiri Vehera is believed to have been built during the 3rd century B.C. by King Parakramabahu the Great. It is 95 ft. in height with a circumference of 280 ft. There are 5 places of worship Kirivehera, Maha Bodhiya, Katharagama Devala, Sella Katharagama and Vedihitikanda.

6. Lankathilaka Viharaya
Built by King Parakrambahu, and later restored by Vijayabahu IV, this dramatic brick building was once five stories high and embellished with flowers, creepers, animals, birds and statues of gods. The two gigantic columns at the entrance, now broken to a highest of 58 ft., must originally have been at least double that height. The cathedral-like aisle leads to a standing Buddha statue, now headless, which was 41 ft., tall. The exterior walls are ornamented with delicate sculpture which depicts various buildings of the Polonnaruwa era. In front of the Lankathilaka is a pillared ‘mandapaya’ with 40 stone chaste-ornamented pillars.