The first kings of Sri Lanka had their kingdoms at Anuradhapura. Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka by Mihindu priest when Devanampiyatissa was the king. This priest (who had achieved arhathhodd, brought an off-shoot of the Bhodhi Tree under which Lord Buddha achieved Buddhahood. This was planted in Anuradhapura.

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The photo shows the plant. But is now protected with a mesh. The plants seen around it are off-shoots of the original plant. This plant is considered to be the oldest documented (the day it was brought to Sri Lanka and its subsequent events are all recorded in historical documents) tree in the whole world.

In about the 1970's a gold plated fence was erected around this tree. The railing is seen on the right side.