This is called as the great stupa of Anuradhapura constructed by the king Dutugemunu. In terms of the history of the chronology, construction of this Stupa had been completed by the king Saddathissa, the brother of king Dutugemunu who is said to be passed away before the completion of construction of this stupa. This is in bubble shape with the boundary wall embossed figures of elephants. There are four “wahalkada” (entrances of engraved pillars) with the designs of liyawel, the life tree, images of dwarfs, heads of dragons and elephants, swans, images of dwarf and several other carvings.
Ruwanweli Stupa in 1809 prior to the conservation
Ruwanweli Stupa prior to the conservation
Statues around the stupa prior to the conservation
The statue of King Dutugemunu
The present view of Ruwanweli Stupa
Boundary wall with the embossed figures of elephants