Avukana Buddha statue is situated in the village of Aukana near Kekirawa in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is believed that the statue is carved by an unknown sculptor, in the 5th century, during the reign of king Dhatusena. The statue is situated close to the famous Kalawewa and faces the tank. It is considered to be one of the best standing statue constructed in ancient Sri Lanka. The height of the statue is 38 feet and 10 inches. It is carved out of a large granite rock face. But, most interestingly the statue is not separated completely from the rock it was carved. A narrow rock strip which has been left between the statue and the rock face connects both together and supports the statue.
The pedestal on which the Buddha statue stands, is carved in the form of a lotus flower and carved separately and positioned under the statue. In a large image house which is in the size of 74 feet long and 63 feet wide made of brick and stone the statue had been located. Parts of the wall of dilapidated image house are still remaining.
The creation is a magnificent one. The sculptor had been so detailed and skillful in carving every minute detail of the statue and has made it unique. The impressive expression projects on the face of the statue reflects spiritual supremacy. The degree of alignment of the statue is splendid as a rain drop on the nose drops straight down to small depression carved between the toes. The statue depicts a variation of the Abhaya mudra, which is known as Asisa mudra.