A survey of the dense forests in eastern Sri Lanka has led to the discovery of an 11th-century Imperial Chola temple built during the reign of Rajendra Chola I. Unlike other temples in the region, this granite structure is uniquely decorated with naval friezes depicting multi-masted ships and maritime warriors, celebrating the Chola naval hegemony over the Indian Ocean.
The temple's layout follows the classic Dravidian style but incorporates local Sri Lankan limestone accents. Inscriptions found on the temple base detail a victory in a naval battle and the subsequent establishment of a merchant guild outpost to oversee the trade of cinnamon and gemstones. Conservationists are now working to protect the site from encroachment and environmental degradation.