Located within the sacred precinct of Mahamewna park, the Thuparamaya Stupa is the earliest Dagoba to be constructed on the island, dating back to the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (247-207 BC).

[1] The temple has been recognised by the Government and listed as a protected archaeological site in Sri Lanka.

[2] Thuparamaya is closely linked to Mahinda Thera, the envoy sent by King Ashoka to Sri Lanka, bringing Theravada Buddhism and Chaitya worship to the island.

By the reign of King Aggabodhi II the site was in ruins and was fully restored by royal edict.

The dome is raised on a plinth 11 feet 4 inches (3.45 m) off the ground, and the entire structure is 164+1⁄2 ft (50.1 m) in diameter.