Gangaramaya is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, started by the famous scholar monk, Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thero in 1885. It was at a time that Buddhism and cultural resurgence were much needed as the country was under the colonial rule.
As a small temple in a swampy land adjacent to the Beira Lake which were accessible only by a boat, the now-famous Gangaramaya temple once had a humble history.
At present, the temple demonstrates a mutual representation of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture.
It has the main features of a Buddhist temple - the Stupa, the Bodhi tree, the Vihara Mandiraya (the shine hall), the Seema malaka (assembly hall for monks), and the Relic Chamber. In addition, a museum, a library, a residential hall, a three-storied Pirivena, educational halls, and alms -hall are also on the premises.
Most notable for tourists is the architecture of Seema Malaka, which was built 1n 1979, based on a design by the renowned architect – Geoffrey Bawa.
The museum has a collection of artifacts and other objects of religious, cultural, and historical value. The museum showcases a range of invaluable treasures from ancient Sri Lanka as well as around the globe, including Buddha statues of different influences, ancient ola-leaf writings, old coins, old vehicles and religious relics in a classic display of tradition and culture.
After the Venerable Sri Sumangala, his chief pupil Devundera Sri Jinaratana Nayake Thero took on the administration of the temple. It was he who laid the foundation to convert the once humble temple to an international vocational training institute.
At present Galboda Gnanissara Thero, one of the most respected Buddhist prelates in the island, is the head priest and the chief incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple.
The temple is involved in Buddhist welfare-work including supporting elderly homes, a vocational school, and an orphanage.