Kotmale Mahaweli Maha Seya

Kotmale Mahaweli Maha Seya is a Buddhist stupa rising 88 meters (288 feet) above the Kotmale Reservoir, making it the second-largest in Sri Lanka. The structure features a distinctive tiered spire designed to house a special gem chamber at its peak.

Construction of the stupa began in 1983 as a memorial to temples submerged by the Mahaweli Development Project. The site became a way to preserve Buddhist heritage despite the major environmental and infrastructural changes that the region underwent.

The stupa serves as a sacred place where Buddhist monks and devotees gather throughout the year to pray, meditate, and perform religious ceremonies. The structure itself holds deep spiritual meaning as a symbol of remembrance for the local community.

The stupa is accessible via nearby highways and local transportation options around the Kotmale Reservoir area. The site provides basic facilities for visitors, including spaces designed for meditation and religious activities.

The stupa features an unusual terraced tower chamber designed to hold a special crystal gem piece according to architectural plans by a local designer. This distinctive chamber makes the structure stand out from other stupas in the region.