Maligawila...

MALIGAWILA - Was found fallen and broken in to pieces in 1951. An attempt was made in 1974 to raise this statue and failed. But in 1980 a local engineering team was able to raise this statue and restore it back to the ancient glory...

This free-standing 11 meters (36 ft 1.1 in) or 12 meters (39 ft 4.4 in) tall limestone Bodhisattva staue, claimed in some quarters to be the tallest free-standing statue of Buddha in the world, though the Avukana Buddha Statue is also said to be taller.This statue draws many tourists to the region. It also boasts the Avalokitesvara statue, a 10 meters (32 ft 9.7 in) limestone portrait. These statues, which were discovered in the 1950s and restored between 1989 and 1991, are believed to have been commissioned by the 7th century prince Agghabodhi. There is additionally a 10th century historical pillar placed in the 10th year of the rule of Mahinda IV (956-972 AD).

*How to reach

You can reach the site from either Wellawaya or from Kataragama depending on which route you take.

You can reach Wellawaya in through many roads. If you are coming from Badulla or Bandarawela you must tale the Ella Road which lies between Badulla-Bandarawela Road. On the way you will also pass the beautiful Ravana Ella too on the way. There is a another road from Koslanda. Taking this road will take you through the 220 metre high waterfall Diyaluma. Koslanda lies between the Balangoda – Haputhale Road.

If you are coming from Kataragama, use the Buttala Road and the turn off is just before the Butala main junction. The temple is about 20 kms form the turn off from Buttala. From Buttala any person can direct you to the temple.

ource : http://www.buddhanet.net