Avukana Buddha statue, which has a height of more than 40 feet, was carved out of a large granite rock face during the 5th century. This statue in Abhaya mudrawa (අභය මුද්‍රාව), Constructed during the reign of Dhatusena. However, another story is that it was done by an person named ‘Barana’. There is another nearby standing statue similar to the Avukana statue, at Sasseruwa. According to legend the two statues are the result of a competition between a stone sculpting master & pupil. The story says that master constructed the Avukana statue, while the pupil made the statue at Sasseruwa. The first to complete his statue had to notify the other by ringing a bell. Master managed to complete his statue first and won the competition. This is said to be why the Sasseruwa statue is unfinished