MALIGAWILA BUDDHA STATUE

 

                                                The Maligawila Buddha statue is a standing statue of the Buddha in Sri Lanka and has been carved out of a large limestone rock during the 7th century by a prince named Agrabodhi.It is the tallest free-standing ancient statue of the Buddha found in the country. It was  broken into a number of pieces by the time it was found in 1951. The Maligawila Buddha statue is located close to the village of Maligawila in the Monaragala District of the Uva province. Buddha statue is height of 37feet and 10 inches.

                                               The statue was discovered in 1951,fallen from its pedestal and lying broken to pieces. Before that, it had been damaged by treasure hunters. A 1974 attempt to raise the Maligawila statue ended in failure. How ever, another attempt was made in 1980 under then-president Ranasinghe Premadasa. Several of the broken pieces had been damaged, including the right hand, face and feet. These were repaired before reconstructing the statue and re-erecting it. This has been described as a "very significant task" carried out under Premadasa's direction. The Maligawila Buddha statue attracts a large number of pilgrims every year. Maligawila statue is beautiful and ancient place in Sri Lanka. We must protect it.