Gal Pota

The Gal Pota, meaning Stone Book, is one of the most fascinating inscriptions in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
It was created during the reign of King Nissanka Malla in the 12th century, one of Sri Lanka's most ambitious monarchs.
The monument is a massive stone slab measuring about 8.2 meters long, 1.4 meters wide, and 0.66 meters thick, weighing around 25 tons.
The stone was transported all the way from Mihintale, over 100 kilometers away — an incredible engineering achievement for its time.
The inscription on the Gal Pota is written in ancient Sinhala script, praising King Nissanka Malla's reign, religious devotion, and generosity.
It also records his military victories, his efforts to strengthen Buddhism, and his projects to improve the island's prosperity.
The carvings on the sides of the stone are beautifully decorated with mythical creatures and ornamental patterns, adding artistic beauty to the record.
The Gal Pota demonstrates the literary and cultural richness of Polonnaruwa's golden age and its deep connection to Buddhism.
Today, it stands as a monumental symbol of royal power, craftsmanship, and devotion, attracting history enthusiasts from all over the world.