Anuradhapura (අනුරාධපුරය) is a major city located in the north central plain of Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province and the capital of Anuradhapura District. The name ‘Anuradhapura’ means the ‘city of Anuradha’. Anuradhapura was a major intellectual centre for early Theravada Buddhism. During the reign of Dhatusena (455-473) a redaction of the Theravada Buddhist canon took place while at the same time 18 new vihara (temple complexes) were build. The Abhayagiri Dagaba Stupa and the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa are just a few well known restored Stupa’s, a hemispherical structure containing relics.

Below is a selection of photos taken during a visit to Anuradhapura on February 23 2014. Click on a small photo for a larger view, then select the next one with the cursor keys or the arrows on either side of the photo.