The stupa came from an idea by the former Minister of Mahaweli Development Gamini Dissanayake. The stupa was built in commemoration of over 50 submerged temples and the people who lost their properties as a consequence of the Mahaweli Development Projects in the early 1980s. The Mahaweli Development Project was the largest development project conducted in Sri Lanka after the country obtained independence. The foundation stone was laid by President JR Jayawardana on 20 March 1983. The work was completed and the stupa was opened by President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe on 20 June 2016. The stupa is 88 m (289 ft) tall, making it the second-largest stupa in Sri Lanka, second to Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura, built in 140 BC. The road to stupa is start from the Dam of Kothmale and about 1 km. There is a car parking and entrance from parking. The speciality of this Stupa is the core is empty and we can walk inside the stupa. Its look like we are in a giant balloon made by concrete.

It is the second largest stupa in Sri Lanka. Second only to Ruwanweli Seya in Anuradhapura. This stupa was constructed as a remembrance for all the temples that got submerged during the construction of the Kotmale dam. There is a chamber inside the stupa. Voices will echo inside this chamber so stay quiet while inside. The outside of the Stupa is currently not in the best condition. The authorities at the entrance told that the cleaning of the stupa takes about 6 months to complete and public donations are appreciated.

this Stupa is the second largest Stupa in Sri Lanka, after Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura.This temple was built in commemoration of more than 50 submerged temples and the persons who lost their homes and properties due to the Mahaweli Development Program, was the largest development project in Sri Lanka after it obtained independence.

Actually this is wonderful place to people who needs to find Buddhist temple or kind of architecture.. Also you will be able to experience that sound of echoes. That would be reflected many time with this architecture. I assum that even the architecture never knows there would be achoes with his building. So we never forget that this all are created by nature and distortion belong to nature as well.... 🙏🙏🙏

Mahaweli Maha Seya is a Buddhist temple which is situated in Kothmale. It is the idea of former Prime Minister and Mahaweli Development Minister of Sri Lanka, Gamini Dissanayake. This temple was built in commemoration of more than 50 submerged temples and the persons who lost their homes and properties due to the Mahaweli Development Program, was the largest development project in Sri Lanka after it obtained independence.

A unique place to be. I've never seen a stupa made out this material. If you're going to Kothmale area, it's worth checking this place out.

The work of recommencement of the Kotmale Seya (Mahaweli Maha Seya) took place on May 8. Nestling in the picturesque Kotmale valley, the majestic, gigantic 100 feet dome structure adds considerable colour to this scenic atmosphere. Tourists, as well as pilgrims, flock to Kotmale Maha Seya premises, where a sapling of Sri Maha Bodhi was ceremonially planted recently. Some of the most picturesque, breath-taking and soothing sights I have seen are the Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope, Sun City and Pilensurburg Park all in South Africa. The sight I got of the Kotmale Maha Seya from the distant point of Gamini Dissanayake Reservoir, is fantastic and out of this world to say the least. It is etched indelibly in my mind. What a panoramic sight it will be when the bubble shaped dagoba. (bubbulakaru stupa) rises to another 174 feet to caress the heavenly sky.

Very calm temple ,, but not well maintained

So calming place. But still under constructions..

Only nice temple, with not so much to do or see.

Beautiful architectural design. Also, On the way can purchase fresh vegetables and fruits at a lower cost.

Road is bit difficult but manageable to any vehicle. Less crowded calm and quiet place. Can go inside of the stupa which is fabulous architectural design. Couple of minutes from popular Kotmale dam.

A must see if you come to Gampola. Although the road from Gampola to Kothmale is not in the best condition, you can drive. You should first visit the Kothmale View Point which closes at 4 pm before visiting this place. From the park you can walk a little distance up to the mountain. However you can also drive to the top just passing the park to the Dharma Mandapaya. Parking can be limited at the top but if you have someone with walking disabilities this is the best option.

Such a great place to visit. Even though it was built in the near past, still gives such a peace of mind like the historical monuments do. Not normally much crowded. Has plenty of space for parking too. Recommend you to visit on a quiet evening.

Lovely temple...you can walk through the temple it self..

The second-largest stupa in Sri Lanka. Very calm and quite a place. Parking Available.

Must visit place in Kothmale. Very beautiful and you can visit free of charge. Road upto temple really good