Gal Potha, literally translated as ‘Stone Book’, is the most presumptuous and self-appraising inscription in Sri Lanka’s history. It is located in Polonnaruwa, one of the most glorious ancient capitals in the country, containing many of the finest historical places in Sri Lanka. King Nissankamalla often adds rather bombastic airs to the text, written in three columns and with 4300 characters in total. There are some interesting carvings on the side of the inscription, including a pair of elephants with their trunks curled over the head of a seated Lakshmi. Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and property, and the addition of the elephants is a design known as the Gajalakshmi. However, for all its flaws Gal Potha is also the longest inscription in the country, being 26 feet long, and thus is a worthy historical document.

Written by Vasika Udurawane for Travel Lanka Compass