44. , STANDING BUDDHA AT AUKANA The huge granite statue of the Buddha at Awkana, 51 km. southeast of Anuradhapura, hewn out of solid rock in the standing posture on a lotus pedestal is the work of an unknown sculptor during the reign of King Dhatusena in the 5th century AD. It stands 12 metres tall and remains undamaged sans probably the plastering that would have covered the statue. The flawless unbroken pleats of the robe, the perfectly erect posture and the indentation at the waist bear testimony to the skills of the sculptor who executed this masterpiece of rock carving.
45. 'Lowamahapaya' It is called the 'Loha Prasada' in Sinhala. King Dutugamunu in the 2nd century BC, is said to have built it and had been seven storied building with a 1000 rooms which had a roof of copper (from which the building takes its name). The Brazen Palace had been destroyed in a fire about 15 years after it was built. Although restoration work had taken place from time to time, it had also been destroyed regularly. All that remains today (of the old construction) is 1600 stone pillars on whichthe original building had stood on.