A Spiritual Haven That Stands Strong Amidst Adversity

Nelligala International Buddhist Centre is set against a picturesque setting

By Ashanthi Warunasuriya

Following the recent severe cyclonic weather conditions that affected many parts of Sri Lanka, the Kandy district experienced significant damage. With the intention of observing the post disaster situation, we travelled to Kandy  again a few days later.

Even now, along both sides of the Galagedara-Kandy main road, landslides, collapsed soil mounds, and damaged houses can be seen,  clear signs that the impact of the disaster will be long term. During this journey, we visited one of our destinations, the Nelligala International Buddhist Centre located near Kandy.

Nelligala is an exceptionally beautiful sacred site that has earned admiration and respect from both local and foreign devotees. Situated on the Nelligala Mountain in the village of Kobbekaduwa, this area was once a deserted location associated with various immoral activities about a decade ago.

Despite facing immense challenges, the construction of this Buddhist centre began around the latter part of 2014, during a period marked by political instability, extremist activities, and numerous social obstacles.

However, under the visionary guidance of Venerable Dhammarathana Nayaka Thero of Wathurakumbure, Nelligala has been transformed into a world-renowned international Buddhist centre, gaining recognition and reverence from devotees across the globe.

Today, the Nelligala International Buddhist Centre comprises of several temples and sacred structures, offering not only spiritual services but also contributing significantly to social, cultural, and economic development both for the surrounding community and for Sri Lanka as a whole. In recent years, it has also become an increasingly popular destination among foreign tourists.

As an international Buddhist centre, Nelligala actively fulfills its responsibility to preserve and promote Theravada Buddhism by maintaining close relationships with other Theravada Buddhist countries. Thousands of foreign visitors are provided with an environment where they can learn about Buddhism and cultivate their spiritual wellbeing.

When we visited Nelligala, the access roads were fully secure. On that day, the Chief Incumbent, Venerable Dhammarathana Nayaka Thero, was away attending to another religious engagement. However, a resident monk who spoke with us explained that the Nelligala temple premises had not suffered any damage due to the recent cyclonic conditions. 

Although there had been minor road obstructions caused by soil erosion, these had already been properly restored. Notably, even the flowering bushes planted along the roadside leading to the temple  remained unharmed.

Upon observing the current developments at the temple, it became evident that Nelligala is now undertaking a major construction project. The much discussed Nelligala Thrimurthi Statue Project, which had been temporarily halted over time due to various challenges, is now due to resume. We learned that the first phase of this project is expected to be completed within this year.

The Thrimurthi statue will consist of three statues, each standing 135 feet tall. According to the engineers involved, once completed, this structure is expected to rank among the ten tallest constructions in the world. Construction initially began during the COVID-19 pandemic but was suspended midway due to multiple difficulties.

For this project, a three-acre plot of land adjacent to the Nelligala temple was generously donated by a group of doctors. Visitors to Nelligala can still view this site today. Located beside a forest reserve, the area is extremely calm and free from noise, creating an ideal environment for meditation practitioners. This tranquil setting has been carefully considered in planning the Thrimurthi statue project.

Long felt need

In addition,  a proper resting hall, a long-felt need of the temple,  is now being addressed. A new monks’ residence (Sanghawasa) is currently under construction. 

All these developments are being carried out entirely through the generous support of devotees and the public.

Another unique feature of the Nelligala sacred site is the Saman Deva statue. Near this statue lies a sacred footprint, strategically positioned so that Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) is visible in a direct line of sight. On clear days, Sri Pada can be seen very clearly from this location. 

This provides an opportunity for devotees who are unable to physically climb Sri Pada to pay their respects from Nelligala. It was with this compassionate intention that the statue of god Saman  and surrounding structures were created.

The sacred site also houses a Relic Chamber, the Sri Shakya Singha Sugandha Kutiya, and several highly revered relics. Daily offerings and rituals are conducted for these sacred relics. The premises also include statues of the Seven Buddhas, a sapling of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi, and the Sacred Hair Relics of the Buddha.

Beyond these, many other Buddhist development projects are ongoing within the Nelligala spiritual zone. By the end of 2026, a separate and expanded spiritual zone is scheduled to be opened to the public. With ample parking facilities and organised management, the Nelligala temple administration remains fully prepared to welcome devotees and visitors alike.