It has been carved from a single large limestone rock, and is considered to be the tallest ancient free-standing image in Sri Lanka,[1] at a height of 37 feet 10 inches (11.53 m).

[2] According to the ancient chronicle Chulavamsa, the statue was built in the 7th century by a prince named Aggabodhi from Ruhuna.

[4] It mentions that he built a temple named Pathma Vihara, and also constructed a great statue of the Buddha there.

[5] Several of the broken pieces had been damaged, including the right hand, face and feet; these were repaired before reconstructing the statue and re-erecting it.

[7] The successful raising of the statue was undertaken by Mr. Gemunu Silva (State Engineering Corporation) and Mr. H.A.