Medirigiriya Vatadage is situated in the middle of a dry zone forest. The first reference to this site in the chronicles is during the king Kanishta Tissa (192-194) of the Anuradhapura Era. Later many kings have contributed to this complex and finally, after the invasion of Maga this site too was abandoned when the Sinhalese migrated to the southern parts unable to withstand the torture. It can be known as the oldest Vatadagaya in Sri Lanka.
Mr. H.C.P Bell immediately realised the importance of the site calling it an architectural jewel. Initially, the restoration work was done by mainly Muslim labourers as the Buddhist labourers did not want to work at a Buddhist temple for money. This they felt was a sin. This restoration work was finally completed in 1945 and was open to the public giving a glimpse of what this temple would have looked over 1000 years ago.