Located a few kilometres from the city of Galle, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is a unique shrine that guarantees peace and solitude to anyone who visits. Built by the Japanese Nipponzan-Myōhōji order in 2005, it was made as a symbol to promote peace in the island. A short hike to the summit of the Rumassala Hill and you’ll find yourself in awe of the pristine pagoda. Enjoy the unhindered and stunning views of the coast and the bustling town of Galle when you reach the top.
in later years a Buduge, or House of Buddha, and the Swethamalee Chaitiya, or Dagaba, was built on the hillock abutting the Devalaya, or House of Gods. Thousands of pilgrims throng to this place of worship every month of Esala to offer poojas. This festival is a new rice offering so most cultivators bring a share of their crop and pray for timely rain and plentiful harvest. Some others save a fistful of rice from their daily meal and offer that rice, still others would purchase a few measures or even full gunnies of rice along with coconuts to offer.
