The Dambakola Patuna was an ancient port in the Jaffna District which was used during the pre-Christian era. This place was restricted to tourist activities during earlier times but now it can be accessed easily. It is located on tip of an island in the Jaffna district of Sri Lanka. It is very easy to locate since it is situated along the coast.
There is a legend related to this temple. Indian emperor, Ashoka’s daughter, Sanghamitta, who arrived at this place with the Bo tree sapling. The King Devanampiyatissa arrived at this place to welcome the guests and Dambakola Patuna was built to commemorate this event. The present Bo tree was the sapling of the revered Bo tree in Anuradhapura.
Most of the original structure of this place has been lost due to the civil wars, and only a very small part of it remains. The existing sculptures, paintings and stupas that you will find there have been recently built.
The Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple is historically an important place in Jaffna and it reflects the Buddhist culture prevalent throughout Sri Lanka.
