The standing Buddha statue at the Lahugala Magul Maha Viharaya in Ampara was restored and unveiled for the worship of the devotees on 17^th of January 2022, amidst the blessings of the Maha Sangha. This Buddha statue, made of crystalline limestone, was divided into four main parts. The Department of Archeology and the Central Cultural Fund rehabilitated this monument with proper technical techniques, with the financial contribution of Mrs. Mala Perera. Artists of the Bataleeya National Replica School of Central Cultural Fund contributed in restoration of the statue in the same manner.

Magul Maha Viharaya is one of the ancient Buddhist temples with a special significance, located in the Lahugala area in the Ampara District. History of Magul Maha Viharaya dates back to the reign of King Kavantissa (205-161 BC) who ruled the Ruhuna Kingdom in ancient Sri Lanka. Sources show that the temple was built by King Dhatusena (463-479 AD) and many other kings renovated the temple centuries later. The history reveals that 12,000 monks lived in this temple. Stupas, Bodhighara, a solid wall surrounding all buildings, and a unique moon lamp that has never been found in Sri Lanka depicting elephant herders riding on elephants are also located in Magul Maha Vihara.

Ven. Indagas Elle Sri Punyasara Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Magul Maha Viharaya, Gonawala Piyananda Thero, Chief Incumbent of Kotawehera, Kurudugolle Sarananda Thero, Chief Incumbent of Hulannuge Kandahindagama Sambuddhaloka Dharma Nikethana, Lahugala Sumanasara Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Lahugala Nilagiri Rajamaha Viharaya , Lahugala Somasara Thero of Lahugala Kirivehera, Mr. Vidura Wickramanayaka, State Minister of National Heritage, Performing Arts and Rural Arts Promotion, Ms. Nishanthi Jayasinghe, Secretary to the State Ministry of National Heritage, Performing Arts and Rural Arts Promotion, Prof. Anura Manatunga, Director General of Archeology Senior Archaeologist, Archaeologist Prof. Gamini Ranasinghe, Director General of Central Cultural Fund, Media Director, Mr. Lalith Udesha Madhubhanu, Mr. K. B. Chandana Weerasinghe, Assistant Provincial Director – Eastern Province, Central Cultural Fund, Project Managers of Ampara, Monaragala and Batticaloa and other government officials were present at this occasion.