Lankathila Viharaya is a Gedige type large image house build by king Parakramabahu the Great ( 1153- 1186 AD). The specialty in this structure is the two pylons at the entrance and the giant Buddha statue in side. This statue is 42 feet in height and building walls are 53 feet high.
The structure was done with bricks and there were two floors. You can see the remaining of stares, which ware used to climb the upper floor. According to the historical reports and pictures in early 20th century by Mr. H.C.P Bell, the head the Buddha statue was there at that time, but you can't see it now.
You can see some evidence that there were some paintings in the interior . There are some sculptures out side with some south Indian influence. The The exterior wall designs pretend that this has five floors, and the carvings of gods meant that this is divine place.
Lankathilaka Viharaya went on some renovation process during the Dabadeniya(13th century) kingdom time by king Vijaya Bahu the fourth (1270-1272 AD).