Kantaka Chethiya was renovated in 1930′s to the current status.
When this stupa was discovered, it has been a just a mound of earth covered by
various debris. This has been known as the Kiribadapavu Dagaba, Kiribat Vehera,
or Giribhanda during this time. But a stone inscription found close by has
identified the original name of this stupa as Kantaka Chethiya.
It is
unknown who built this stupa but it is said that the King Lanjatissa (119-109
BC) has built a stone mantel built for this stupa. Therefore we can assume that
the stupa was built prior to 119 BC. The present stupa is 425 feet in diameter
and is about 40 feet high. This stupa is most popular for one of the most well
preserved vahalkada which can be seen today.
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