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Thuparama: Sri Lanka’s first dagoba- by M.A.R.Manukulasooriya   Source:Sundayobserver Thuparama in Anuradhapura is considered as the first dagoba built Sri Lanka after the introduction of Buddhism. Arahat Mahinda, an envoy sent by King Ashoka introduced Buddhism to the country during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. The king who met Arahat Mahinda at Mihintale, was the first to embrace Buddhism. Under the patronage of the Thera, the king built the Thuparama stupa in the 3rd century B.C. enshrining the collarbone of the Buddha. According to legend, the earth had shaken at the ceremony held to place the sacred relics. The king and the members of the royal family had provided many valuable items to be enshrined in the Dhathu Garba. ...