Panadura Rankot Viharaya
What?
This is a significant Buddhist temple, known for its golden-pinnacled stupa and historical importance in the Panadura Debate, which revived Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Where?
It is located in the Kalutara district and approximately 30 km from Colombo.
When?
It can be visited all year long, though mornings offer a peaceful experience.
About 300m away from the Panadura clock tower, Panadura Rankoth Viharaya is located. At the beginning it was named Galkanda Viharaya, but after applying gold on the pinnacle of the dagoba, it has been called Rankot Viharaya since 1890. The significant thing that makes this temple interesting is the Panadura Wadaya, or Panadura Controversy, which was written in 1873. It is a record of the historic debate between the Christian church and the Buddhist faith. The debate was about the nature of God, the soul and resurrection, the concepts of Karma, Rebirth, Nirvana and the principles of cause and effect. It offered a new perspective of Buddhism and Sinhalese Buddhists in British Ceylon.
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