Nishshanka Latha Mandapaya is located in the Dalada Maluwa in Polonnaruwa. Built by King Nisanka Malla (1187-1196) and named after him. It contains the oldest and most sacred monuments in the city. A nearby inscription identifies it as the building used by king Nishshanka Malla for listening to Buddhists (pirith).
The structure is a high stone platform with many columns of stone and is surrounded by a low stone wall. These stone columns are a unique feature of the Nishshanka Latha mandapaya as they are carved in a way that is not found elsewhere in the country. Eight granite columns are arranged in two rows, and each row has four. Can be used to support a roof, each of which is approximately 8 feet 4 inches (2.54 m) high. In each of these columns the crown is carved in the shape of a lotus flower. The rest of the column is painted to resemble the trunk of the flower. Unlike most of the stone columns found in the architecture of this period, these are not straight but three curves. Archaeologist Senarath Paranavitana says that the stone columns of the Nishshanka Latha Mandapa are the best examples of this feature of ancient Sri Lankan architecture.
In the center of the platform is a small stupa surrounded by stone pillars. This too is made of stone but its upper part is destroyed. Its base is decorated with a carved design. The platform is surrounded by a stone fence and the structure enters through a single stone door. In contrast to the vividly carved stone pillars, these have an unexpected and simple finish.
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