A full-size standing statue of Queen Vihāra Mahā Devi, who was the mother of Kings Dutugemunu (regency 161-137 BCE) and Saddhātissa (regency 137-119 BCE). According to legend, she was placed in a fragile boat and abandoned in the ocean to appease the gods for a crime committed by her father, King Kelanitissa, which had caused his kingdom to be flooded. She made a safe landing in another part of the island and became the bride of King Kavantissa. The statue is now enclosed in a glass structure and with recent additions of clothing. The case illuminated at night enables one to view the statue without the reflection of the sun during daylight hours.
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