Located approximately a 7-minute drive away from Hikkaduwa (3.7 Kilometers), lies a quaint little Monastery, with a pond surrounded by lush greenery and views of the ocean. The highlight of the site is a small island located right in the middle of the pond which houses a brilliant Buddha statue where the god stands tall facing the ocean waves. The statue features Lord Buddha posing the Abhaya mudra which is a symbol of protection and fearlessness. The monument was built after the tsunami of 2004 which claimed thousands of people’s lives and affected millions. The statue symbolises the god claiming that the people are now safe and he will continue to protect the people from harm.
The statue is a replica of Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Buddha and although it has been constructed recently it is considered as one of the most beautiful specimens of Lord Buddha around the island where he projects the Abhaya Mudra. Being one of the few places on the island where you could see such scenery, the site must be added to your travel itinerary when you are visiting Hikkaduwa.
