Not so well known internationally but what may still be called a wonder is the tall colossal standing statue of the Buddha at Avukana. This is now one of the tallest remaining statues after the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddha statues in Bamiyan in Afghanisatan. Here is another architectural marvel of the ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka. The statue cut from solid granite rock stands 39 feet above its decorated lotus plinth and 10 feet across the shoulders. 

 

It belongs to the period of King Dhatusena (459-477 AD), the builder of the great reservoirs. It has been very well preserved over the years and is a joy for anyone to see and appreciate.

 

The best time of the day to view this statue is dawn when the first rays of the morning sun bring out the rich hues of the rock image. As the sun rises higher it reveals the serenity of the exquisitely carved face: rising higher still, the sunlight picks out the gracefully carved robe, each pleat of which is a triumph of art.