Acording to Chronicles, Gokanna Viharaya was built by Mahasen in 3rd century at the top of rock where the Koneswaram Kovil stands today. Trincomalee (Gokanna) being one of the busiest ports in the past, the temple also grew with the support of the rulers at various times. In 1505, the Portuguese landed on to Sri Lanka and under their control, Buddhist Temples were ransacked, valuables looted, burnt and destroyed. De Queyroz, a Portuguese historian says that the Gokana Vihara was a Buddhist temple until it was destroyed by Portuguese in the 16th century. According to him the Pagoda or the Stupa of the temple was destroyed by Portuguese Trincomalee’s ruler Costantino da Sa while Buddhist monks were still in residence there. The old Gokanna Viharaya gradually became a site for the Hindus to worship and the current Kovil has been built in 1856 and any Buddhist heritage of this site is now buried under the foundations of the Konesvaram Temple lost for ever. The new Gokanna Viharaya now lies inside the Fort Fredrick on the North of the point close to the fort entrance of the fort. Few Buddhist artifacts which has been unearthed at various times has found home in this new temple. -Amazing Lanka Great place to visit & breathtaking views at the top of the Fort.

Trincomalee had been known as Gokanna in the ancient times, Gokanna Vihara was built by King Mahasen

Buddhist temple located inside fort fedric - Trincomalee. Must watch the amazing view at Buddha's statue.

This is a must visit place in Trincomalee. It is a very ancient temple. A very beautiful temple located in a quiet environment. Although not a prominent temple due to the Kovil, many Buddhists visit this temple.

An ancient temple located inside the Dutch fort of Trincomalee

Gokanna Viharaya (Sinhala: ගෝකන්න විහාරය) was an ancient Buddhist temple located in Trincomalee in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. The temple lies in the premises of Fort Fredrick close to the fort entrance. According to the references of Sri Lanka Archaeological Department, Trincomalee had been known as Gokanna in the ancient times. The Mahavamsa chronicle recounts that the Gokanna Vihara was built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century (275–301 AD) by destroying a Shiva temple that existed on the Swami Rock, where the Koneswaram Kovil stands today. It is said that in the reign of King Agbo V, the temple was modified by adding a preaching hall. A Tamil rock inscription which was found near the main entrance to the fort, states that the Hindu temple that existed at this place was destroyed by the Portuguese. The Hindu temple was later rebuilt in 1963.

Buddhist temple that has a great historical value. You'll be able to have a clear view of Indian ocean from here.

Buddhist Temple in situated in the fort fedrick ( trincomalee fort) do have nice view points of trincomalee bay. Must visit the site and experience the area.

This is ancient budhist temple in Trincomalee. Everyone need give help for develop this temple.

An ancient buddhist☸️ temple situated inside the dutch fort. There is a nice view beside to the temple area.

This is an ancient temple situated in a corner of the fort, surrounded by the ocean with a beautiful view. Temple is calm and quiet. There’s a view point on this end of the fort but it’s not accessible to the public.