This 20th century standing Buddha is a deliberate, although inexact, copy of the 8th century standing Buddha at Avukana. Sporting a neon "flame of wisdom" atop its head, this statue illustrates in striking fashion both the continuity and the difference over time of the living Buddhist tradition in Sri Lanka. Dondra is located on the coast, at the southernmost point of Sri Lanka; if you head out from here, your next stop is the South Pole.