After the invasion of Anuradhapura king Parakramabahu established
Polonnaruwa as the second capital of Sri Lanka in the late 10th century. The
remains of Polonnaruwa (a World Heritage Site), are so numerous that only
a few highlights can be mentioned. The vast reservoir, ‘Parakrama Samudra’
(the Sea of Parakrama) covers an area more than nine square miles and the
bund itself is eight and a half miles long and forty feet high.
The three status of Buddha carved out of living rock at Gal Vihara is indeed
a masterpiece. The Quadrangle, with 12 superb buildings standing on a platform
in the centre of the ancient city, and the Lankatilleke image house, a vast
brick building with a standing Buddha at the rear, are also among the many
magnificent remains.
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