Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple, Colombo

Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple is a Theravada Buddhist temple founded in the second half of the 19th century. The land was donated in 1867 by a devotee named Elliyas Fernando. It was established to support the disciples of the monk Aluthgama Sangharatne and used for sermons, learning, and daily religious life, shaped mainly by local monks and followers.

From the outside, the temple looks simple, but inside it is filled with bright murals showing scenes from the Buddha’s life and Jataka stories. The clear, colorful paintings contrast strongly with the plain exterior. Part of the complex also displays antique items such as old clocks and vintage cars.

The layout is compact and quiet, with small courtyards between buildings. Devotees visit daily for offerings and sermons, especially on full moon days, and visitors must dress modestly. Foreign visitors are usually asked to pay an entrance fee of about 300–400 LKR. Photography is generally allowed outdoors, while taking photos inside shrine rooms is limited to protect the murals and maintain a respectful setting.