Gangaramaya Temple, located near Beira Lake in central Colombo, is one of Sri Lanka’s most important and visually stunning Buddhist temples. It serves not only as a place of worship but also as a center of learning, culture, and community service.
Founded in the late 19th century by the revered monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, the temple beautifully blends Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architectural styles, reflecting Buddhism’s global influence.
The temple complex includes a main shrine hall, a Bodhi tree, a museum, and numerous statues of the Buddha, both ancient and modern. The on-site museum houses a fascinating collection of religious artifacts, gifts from devotees, and historical relics from around the world.
Gangaramaya is also renowned for its annual Navam Perahera, a grand cultural and religious procession featuring traditional dancers, drummers, elephants, and devotees parading through Colombo’s streets.
Set against the tranquil waters of Beira Lake, Gangaramaya Temple stands as a symbol of harmony between tradition and modernity — a place where spirituality, culture, and community unite in the heart of the city.
