According to royal chronicles and other historical records, Devanampiya Tissa, who was the king of Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE, met Arahant Mahinda, the son of the Indian King Asoka. Influenced by the Indian prince, the Sri Lankan king converted to Buddhism and the people in his kingdom followed suit. His patronage led to the building of citadels, temples, and complexes that paid homage to the roots of his newfound religion. With time, the influence of Buddhism spread far and wide across the kingdom, including the site where present-day Galle stands. Much of its history can be traced in the temples and complexes that have stood the test of time and become iconic sites for the Buddhist community.
Believed to be more than 2000 years old, Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya Temple is among the few monuments in Galle that explain the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Dating back to the time when Buddhism was first established in the island, this temple complex is built into rock formations and features statues and intricate carvings. The hauntingly serene ambience and a 9 m. tall reclining Buddha statue are what draw people to Yatagala Temple, Galle.
Another significant place that traces its roots to Buddhism is Japanese Peace Pagoda. It is located at the top of Rumassala Hill, just a few kilometres away from the centre of the city. Constructed in 2005, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Galle is a relatively new temple complex on the city’s outskirts that promotes the message of peace among the island’s inhabitants. The site has a viewing point that proffers mesmerizing views of the stunning landscape of the city. Visitors can choose to climb or drive to the top of the hill.
