Kelaniya Temple believed to had been built in the era prior to the chronologically recorded history of Sri Lanka (since 543 B.C) was renovated by Prince Uttiya, brother of King Devanampiyatissa following the arrival of Arahat Mahinda in 307 BC. According to the Mahawansa, King Devanampiyatissa’s brother Uttiya renovated the vihara for the first time. Prince Uttiya also built the first ever residential quarters of the Buddhist monks (Sanghawasa) there.
The ancient temple was destroyed many times and again by the
Dravidian invaders from Southern India. Each time the temple had been
reconstructed. The medieval temple was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1510 yet
reconstructed by King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha. New Temple was initiated in 1927
and completed in 1946 under the patronage of philanthropist Mrs. Helena
Wijewardene.
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