The large Gedige Lankathilaka ( ornament of Lanka), the image house with a Buddha statue, had 5 stores. It has walls which are 4m trick and still stand 17m high, although the roof has crumbled. The design illustrates the development in thinking which underlay the massive building, for it marks a turning away from the abstract from of the dagaba to a much more personalized faith in the Buddha in human form. 

The building is essentially a shrine, built to focus the attention of worshippers on the 18m high statue of the Buddha at the end of the nave. Though built of brick and covered in stucco, the overall design of the buildings shows strong Tamil influence. The exterior bas relief sculpture, most of which is in very impressive, shed light on contemporary architectural style.