Sri Lanka, ancient city of Polonnaruwa, standing and reclining Buddhas at Gal Vihere (also spelt Galvahere), commissioned by Parakramabahu the Great (1153-86 AD).This immense figure of a recumbant Buddha measures 46 ft (14 metres). Buddha is depicted lying down, at the final moment of his earthly life, entering Parinibbana, the state of supreme enlightenment. The flowing robes over the body and the calm expression of the face are beautifully executed.In the 11th century the capital city was moved from Anuradhapura to the remote Polonnaruwa. It was hoped that this new residence would be better protected from the notorious raids from the Indian sub-continent. As a result Polonnaruwa became a spendid residence and capital. During the reigns of the kings Parakramabahu the Great (1153-86 AD) and his successor Nissanka Malla (1187-96 AD), the Singhalese kingdom reached its last golden age, of which the splendour of its buildings and palaces the impressive irrigation system with artificial lakes, tanks and channels give clear evidence. Today, the site of Polonnaruwa contains remains of palaces, audience halls, stupas and relic shrines. There is even a Hindu shrine that dates back to the 11th century on the site and a Buddhist monastic university. Certainly the most impressive sculptures at Polonnaruwa are the colossal Buddha images carved on the face of the granite boulder at Gal Vihare. They are the masterpieces of Sri Lankan Buddhist art.