In addition to a cultural and entertaining journey around Sri Lanka, you can take a trip to the Statue of King Parakramabahu in Polonnaruwa which is proved to be a masterpiece of Sri Lankan architects. You can easily reach the statue from the Parakrama Dam. King Parakramabhu is one of the greatest Kings who ruled ancient Sri Lanka. Close to the Potugul Vehera, you will identify the status of 3.4 m or 11ft 2 in, that dates back to the 12th century.
With the end of the Anuradhapura era, the kingdom was transferred to Polonnaruwa. Subsequently, another reign was begun under King Vijayabahu. King Parakramabahu was the person who made the entire city with infrastructure and all other facilities. The statue elaborates grandeur and a grave expression of the King who keeps a long object is held in his hands. It seems to be like an Ola leaves the book (Pus kola pota). The King with a long beard, large stomach but strong shoulders and the hair are unique features of the statue. Being located in the area of the Pot Gul Vehera which is also regarded as a former Library of ancient Sri Lanka, the statute supports the version much. The round shaped shoulders show that the king is almost strong. The right leg is relaxed and the left is supported by it. The King is wearing a cloth of a simple manner. The great archeologist and historian Senarath Paranavitarana says that its ‘the very embodiment of strength majesty and dignity’. By the way, there are few doubts about identifying the statue. One is that the statue shows a man belonging to the Lambakanna clan by means of a hair (a symbol of Lambakanna clan) is depicted above the left shoulder of the statue. A small destroyed Dagoba can be seen near the statue. Perhaps it was the burial ground of the King. Another version is that the statue belongs to Agastya or Pulasti. Because of the Indian architectural patterns which had been used by the originator.
Mostly it is concerned as the Sculpture of King Parakramabahu. Though he builds Parakrama Samudra (Parakrama dam), made a great service to the irrigation system. Even today the reservoirs which the King constructed are providing safe water and sanitation services to the community. Being uncovered to the environment the rock sculpture is in danger, therefore it needs to be recovered.