Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple

Built on land reclaimed from Colombo city’s landmark Beira Lake, the Gangaramaya Temple complex includes the Simamalaka Shrine, designed by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. It was originally intended to be, and still is, a place where people of all religious persuasions can find peace and solace, which is reflected in its somewhat eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture. Thus Gangaramaya is not only as a place of Buddhist worship, but also an internationally recognized center of learning that has helped establish Buddhist temple throughout the world. The complex includes a museum, library, esidential hall, three storeyed Pirivena, educational halls and an alms hall, and is closely involved in Buddhist welfare work including old peoples' homes, a vocational school and an orphanage.