The Avukana Buddha statue (also spelt Aukana) is a colossal standing Buddha carved from a granite rock face near the Kala Wewa reservoir, close to Kekirawa in Anuradhapura District. It stands in a temple compound and faces east, towards the reservoir.
Is it worth visiting?
Go if you are interested in ancient Sri Lankan sculpture, or you are already exploring the Anuradhapura area and the old reservoirs around Kekirawa. For more rock-cut Buddhas, see Gal Vihara at Polonnaruwa.
Think twice if you are short of time: this is a single statue in a small temple compound, not a large complex of sites.
The statue
The Buddha stands on a lotus pedestal, carved out of the same granite rock face that rises behind him. The robe is worn over the left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder bare, and its pleats are cut in fine, close lines that show the shape of the body beneath. The left hand holds the robe at the shoulder, while the right hand is raised with the palm turned to the side: the Asisa mudra, a variation of the Abhaya mudra, the gesture of blessing and reassurance.
The statue once stood inside a large image house. Parts of its lower walls still stand.
Who made it, and when
The statue is traditionally attributed to King Dhatusena, who built the Kala Wewa reservoir in the 5th century AD, and Sri Lanka Tourism follows that dating. Some scholars, including the art historian Diran K. Dohanian, place it in the 8th century instead, on grounds of style, so its exact age is still debated.
A legend links Avukana with a similar, unfinished standing Buddha at Sasseruwa, not far away. A master and his pupil are said to have competed to finish first: the master completed Avukana and rang a bell, and the pupil abandoned his statue at Sasseruwa.
Visiting the statue
- A place of worship: the statue is part of the Avukana temple, and pilgrims come here from across Sri Lanka. At Buddhist temples, cover your shoulders and legs and take off your shoes and hat, as the UK government’s travel advice explains.
- Photos: do not pose for photos standing in front of the Buddha; the UK government’s travel advice warns against it.
- Tickets: there is no official price information online. Recent visitors (2025) report a ticket office at the entrance and stalls selling flowers, food and drinks.
- Light: because the statue faces east, the morning sun falls on its face; by late afternoon the sun is behind it.
Getting there
Avukana is a village near Kekirawa, beside the Kala Wewa reservoir. Most visitors come by car or tuk-tuk, often combining the statue with a stop at the reservoir or a visit to the Sasseruwa statue. Recent visitors (2025) found the minor roads towards Sasseruwa rough in places, so check the route with your driver.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Where is the Avukana Buddha statue?
In the village of Avukana near Kekirawa, in Anuradhapura District, beside the Kala Wewa reservoir.
How old is the Avukana statue?
Its date is debated. It is traditionally linked to King Dhatusena in the 5th century AD, but some scholars date it to the 8th century.
What does the raised hand mean?
It is the Asisa mudra, a variation of the Abhaya mudra, a gesture of blessing and reassurance.
When is the best time of day to visit?
In the morning, when the sun falls on the east-facing statue. By late afternoon it is backlit.
What should I wear?
Clothes that cover your shoulders and legs. You take off your shoes and hat at the temple.
Sources: srilanka.travel, en.wikipedia.org (Avukana Buddha statue), en.wikipedia.org (Kala Wewa), themorning.lk, gov.uk and recent visitor reports. Header photo: Plpm2021 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
