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History of United Sri Lanka

Presented By: Chamara Perera and P.A Lal

Introduction to History of United Sri Lanka

Prehistory

Sri Lanka was known by several names from time to time

Lankadipa, Tambapanni, Sihaladipa, Lanka, Ilam,

Hsia-Ian-Shan, Palaesimundu, Salica, Sarandib,

Seilan, Seng-kia-la, Serendib, Seyllen, Sieladiba,

Taprobana, Taprobane are some of them

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World Map of Ptolemy (85-165 AD)

Taprobane

Introduction to History of United Sri LankaPrehistory (contd….)

According to Hindu mythology Sri Lanka had a great king called

RavanaAccording to this mythology (Ramayana) he has not only ruleunited Sri Lanka, he ruled some parts of India too.

We just cannot forget about this as there are many folk tales and village names such as Seetha Eliya, Ravana Ella, Wariyapola which seem to have direct connections to the story.

At the end of mythology, Ravana was betrayed by his own brother and kindom of Sri Lanka was overrun by the enemies. As a gift Ravana’s brother got the crown of the country.

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King RavanaRavana said to have ten heads, probably to demonstrate that he is the Ruler of ten countries.

Ramayana itself describe him as a villain, a Gentleman,and, a great king.

Ramayana describes Ravana’sLanka as a paradise on earth.

Introduction to History of United Sri LankaPrehistory (contd….)

Even though we cannot find any hard proof to Ravana’s era, archeological experiments clearly show that there were humanbeings and activities even before 27000 B.C.

Excavations at Batadomba Lena, Beli Lena, Balangoda etc. reveals human activities in Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic eras. Famous Balangoda Man is a result of these excavations.

Paleolithic – Early stone age (2 mil ~ 13,000 years BC)Mesolithic – Middle stone age (13,000 ~ 8000 years BC)Neolithic – Late stone age (8000 ~ 4000 years BC)

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Introduction to History of United Sri LankaDiversifications and unifications

•The oldest division of the Island comprises Nagadipa in the north, Malayadesha in the central, and Rohana in the south.

•First foreign invasion came in 217 BC. Two Tamil brothers, Sena and Gutthika, invaded the country and took over the kingdom. That time country was divided into

• Pihitirata – North

• Malayadesa – Central

• Ruhunurata – South

At the peace time these divisions were ruled by kings in a same dynasty. Pihitirata was the main kingdom

Introduction to History of United Sri LankaDiversifications and unifications (Contd….)

..and other two paid tribute to the main kingdom. So country remained as a united country.

At the time of foreign occupations the kingdoms operated separately.

There were about 20 invasions from south Indian kingdoms; Chola, pandyan, kalinga etc.

But never they ruled Malayarata and Ruhunurata; only pihitirata they ruled sometimes though they managed to destroy the capitals of Rohana and Malaya.Time to time Sinhala kings rescued and unified the country by defeating the invaders.

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Introduction to History of United Sri LankaDiversifications and unifications (Contd….)But the northern area harboured remnants of defeated Indian armies. They acted as information sources and mercenaries to the inside and outside enemies.

At the Yapahuwa era tamil general Ariyachakrawarthyinvaded the country. From that time on there was a kingdom of aryachakrawarthy’s at Yapapatuna.

Aryachakrawarthy became a dynasty and ruled Yapapatuna and Wanni. Sometimes as allies, sometimes as foes. There were wars between Chakrawarthy’s and Sinhala kings at the period of Bhuwanekabahu V (1373-1404) and chakrawarthy’s armies were defeated and limited to Yapapatuna.

Introduction to History of United Sri Lanka

At the time of King Parakkramabahu V1 of Kotte(1412-1468 once again Yapapatuna became aggressive.

Diversifications and unifications (Contd….)

So the king’s son, prince Sapumalconquered Aryachakrawarthy and made the Sri Lanka united for the last time until 1815 AD.

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Introduction to History of United Sri Lanka

Here we talk about the history. What ever happened in the history, now we, Sinhalese and Tamils, are two races who live in one country.Now there is no point arguing who owns this country or part of it. Country belongs to all who live there now.We have to live in harmony in order to make this country a paradise once again

References

1. Mahawabsa by Sri Sumangala Thero & Pandith

Batuwantudawe Dewarakshita

2. Kotte Heritage by Dimiyawe Amarawansa Thero

& Alikewala Seelananda Thero

3. The Sinhalese by Pundit Dr. Nandadewa Wijesekera

4. Kings & Rulers of Lanka by P. B. Senanayake

5. Condensed Sinhala Mahawansa by S. Wijesooriya

6. Ramayana by C. Rajagopalachari

7. Sinhala Thupawansaya by W.S. Karunathilaka

8. National battles of Sinhala Dayawansha Jayakody

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Introduction to History of United Sri Lanka

Next Mr. Chamara will explain the history in detail

Thank you

Vijaya543-505BC

Abaya474-454BC

Pandukabaya 437-367BC

Sumiththa

Paduwasdew504-474BC

Unmadachitra

Mutaseewa 367-307BC

Dewanam Piya Tissa307BC-267BC

Upatissa505AD-504AD

son

son

son

son

sondaughter

brother

commander

DeegaGamini(Rassa Kula)

Kings from Vijaya to Devanam Piya Tissa

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King Vijaya• Came from Lata with 700 people at 543BC.• With the help of Sri Lankan queen Kuweni,

he captured the crown of the country• Kuweni had two chilren from Vijaya. Later

Vijaya abandoned them. Veddhas believed to be descended from these children.

• Later, Vijaya married to a princess from Padi Rata and consecrated as the king of Sri Lanka

• His ministers found villages Anuradhagama, Upatissagama, Uruwela and Vijitha.

• Vijaya reigned country for 38 years.

King Pandukabaya• Pandukabaya’s farther was not a

descendent of Vijaya, but a member of Raksha race.

• There was a prophecy that Pandukabayawould kill his all uncles, hence he was in exile in his childhood.

• Truing the prophecy, he killed all his uncles, except one, with the help of Rakshas and became the king of Sri Lanka.

• He ruled the country for 70 years, which is the longest period, a king ever reigned in Sri Lanka.

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King Dewanam Piya Tissa• Emperor Asoka of India was an unseen

friend of king Dewanam Piya Tissa.• During his time, emperor Asoka sent

Buddhism with his son Mahinda thera. • Put up Thuparamaya, Isurumuniya,

Vessagiriya, Prathamaka Stupaya, Mahapaliya, Jambukola Viharaya, ThisaWeva

Dewanam Piya Tissa307-267BC

Mahasiwa 257-247BC

Asela 215-205BC

Mahanaga

(Maghampura)

Sooratissa 247-237BC

Sena & Guththika237-215BC

Elara from Chola 205-161BC

Dutugemunu

Uththiya 267-257BC

son

son

son

son

brother

brother

Yaththalayatissa

Kings from Dewanam Piya Tissa to Dutugemunu

brother

brother

brother

Tamil Commanders in Horse Regiment

Gotabaya

Kawantissa

brother

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Dutugemunu-Elara War• Prince Gemunu requested permission three

times from his farther to fight with Elara, but he was not given.

• Prince Gemunu left from Maghama to fight with Tamils. First he was faced resistance at Guththila.

• Then he overrun Vijithapura Fortress. It was taken 4 months, and Elara request reinforcements from Balluka of South India, who was the son-in-law of Elara.

Dutugemunu-Elara War (cont..)

• Then Dutugemunu overun Girila and MahelaFortresses also.

• Finally there was a duel between Dutugemunu and Elara. Elara was on the Maha Parwatha Tusker and Dutugemnu was on Kadol Tusker. King Elara was defeated by Dutugemunu.

• Balluka came with 60,000 solders but Dutugemunu defeated them also.

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King Dutugemunu• He did lot of work for the

development of Buddhism.• Put up Misisawetiya, Lowahamahapaya

(7 story building), Ruwanweliseya etc.• King Dutugemunu united the country

and ruled under one flag.

Kings@Anuradhapura• Saddhatissa 137-119BC 18 years• Thullaththana 119BC 1 month• Langitissa 119-109BC 10 years• Kallatanaga 109-103BC 6 years• Walagamba (1) 103BC 5 months

7 Tamil Commanders concurred the country• Pulabaththa 103-100BC 3 years• Bahiya 100-98BC 2 years• Panayamara 98-91BC 7 years• Piliyamara 91-90BC 7 months• Datiya 90-89BC 2 years• Walagamba (2) 89-76BC 12years

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King Walagamba• Due to Tamil invasion he was hide out at

several places.• He formed army at Maghama and

dominated Anuradhapua, killed Datiya and became the King again.

• Put up Abayagiriya, Somarama Vihara and Dambulla Vihara.

• Published Thripitakaya at Aluvihare at Matale.

Kings@Anuradhapura• Mahasilu Mahatissa 76-62BC 4years• Choranaga 62-50BC 12 years• Kudatissa 50-47BC 3 years• Anula 47-42BC 5 years• Kutakannatissa 42-20BC 22 years• Bathiyatissa I 20BC-9AC 28 years• Maha Datiya 9-21AC 12 years• Amanda gamini 21-30AC 9 years• Kanirajanutissa 30-33AC 3 years• Chulabaya 33-35AC 2 years• Seewali 35AC 4 months• Ilanaga 35-44AC 9 years• Chandramukaseewa 44-52AC 8 years• Yasalalakatissa 52-60AC 8 years• Subaraja 60-66AC 6 years• Vasaba 66-110AC 44 years• Vankanasikatissa 110-113AC 3 years• Gajaba I 113-135AC 22 years• Mahallakanaga 135-141AC 6 years• Bathiyatissa II 141-165AC 24 years• Kanittatissa 65-193AC 28 years

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Kings@Anuradhapura• Chulanaga 193-195AC 2 years• Kunchanaga 195-196AC 1 year• Sirinaga 196-215AC 19 years• Voharikatissa 215-236AC 22 years• Abayanaga 236-244AC 8 years• Sirinaga II 244-246Ac 2 years• Vijayakumara 246-247AC 1 year• Sangatissa 247-251AC 4 years• Sirisangabo 251-253AC 2 years• Gotabaya 253-266ACC 13 years• Detitis I 266-*276AC 10 years• Mahasen 276-303AC 27 years• Sirimewan 303-331AC 28 years• Detutis II 331-340AC 9 years• Buddhadasa 340-369AC 29 years• Upatissa I 369-410AC 42 years• Mahanama 410-432AC 22 years• Soththisena 432AC 1 day• Chaththagrahaka 432-433AC 1 year• Miththasena 433-434Ac 1 year

25 years under Tamil Control • 6 Tamil Princes came from India,

killed King Miththasena and ruled the Pihiti Rata for 25 years.

• Pandu, Parinda, Kuda Parinda, Thirithara, dhathiya and Peetiya are the princes.

• During above period Sinhala princes ran away to Southern area. One Thera at Mahavihara disrobed and led the troopesand killed the Tamil ruler. Who became the King Dhatusena.

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Kings@Anuradhapura• Dhatusena 459-477AC 18 years• Kashshapa 477-495AC 18 years• Mugalan I 495-512AC 18 years• Kumaradasa 512-521AC 9 years• Keerthisena 521AC 9 months• Siwa 521AC 25 days• Upatissa II 521-522AC 1 year• Silakala 522-535 13 years• Dathappabuthi 535AC 6 months• Mugalan II 535-555AC 20 years• Kithsirimewan 555-573AC 19 years• Mahanaga 573-575Ac 3 years• Agbo I 575-608AC 34 years• Agbo II 608-618AC 10 years• Sangatissa 618Ac 2 months• Mugalan III 618-623AC 5 years• Aseegrahaka 623-632Ac 9 years• Agbo III (1) 632Ac 6 months• Jettatissa 632Ac 5 months• Agbo III (2) 632-648Ac 16 years

Kings@Anuradhapura• Datasiwa 648-650AC 2 years• Kashshapa II 650-659AC 9 years• Dappula I 659-662AC 3 years• Haththadata 659-667AC 9 years• Agbo IV 667-683AC 16 years• Daththa 683-684Ac 2 years• Haththadata II 684AC 6 months• Manavamma 684-719AC 35 years• Agbo V 719-725Ac 6 years• Kashshapa III 725-731AC 6years• Mahinda I 731-733AC 3 years• Agbo VI 733-772AC 40 years• Agbo VII( Polonnaruwa) 772-778AC 6 years• Mihidu II 778-797AC 20 years• Dappula II 797-802AC 5 years• Mihidu III 802-805AC 3 years• Agbo VIII 805-816AC 11 years

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Kings@Anuradhapua• Dappula III 816-831AC 16 years• Agbo IX 831-833 2 years• Sena I (Polonnaruwa) 833-853 20 years• Sena II (Polonnaruwa) 853-887AC 35 years• Udaya II (Polonnaruwa) 887-898AC 11 years• Kashshpa IV (Polonnaruwa) 898-915AC 17 years• Kashshpa V 915-924AC 9 years• Dappula IV 924AC 7 months• Dappula V 924-935AC 12 years• Udaya II 935-938AC 3 years• Sena III 938-946AC 8 years• Udaya III 946-952AC 6 years• Sena IV 952-955AC 3 years• Mihidu IV 955-972AC 16 years• Sena V 972-982AC 10 years• Mihidu V 982-1018AC 36 years

Transition Period from Anuradhapura era to Polonnaruwa era

• Due to financial problems Treasury became empty and the King ran way to Ruhuna.

• Anuradhapura became anarchy.• In 993AC Solee King Raja Raja sent a large

army to destroy and loot Anuradhapura.• Solee took King Mihidu V to their custody

in 1018.

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Mihidu V

Vikramabahu

Keerthi 8 days

Mahalana Keerthi 3 years

Vikrama Pandu 1 year @Kalutara

Jagathipala 4 years killed by Solee

Parakrama Pandu killed by Solee

Lokisssara@Kataragama

Buddaraja & Kerthi @Opanayake

Vijayaba

son

King Vijayaba• Vijayaba became the king for the Ruhuna in

1055.• Later, he did a war against Solee and re-

captured the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Reinforcements came from Solee rata, but king Vijayaba defeated them successfully.

• After 75 years, Sri Lanka became independent from Solee administration

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King Vijayaba cont..

• He brought Bikshus from Burma to develop Buddhism.

• Repaired most of Vihara’s• Repaired tanks and canals.• He was a good poet.

Kings @Polonnaruwa• Vijayaba 1055-1110 55 years• Jayabahu 1110 1 year (brother of

Vijayabahu)• Vikramabahu 1110-1131 21 years (son of

Vijayabahu)• Gajaba II 1131-1153 22 years (son of

Vikramabahu)• Parakramabahu I 1153-1186 33 years

( son of Manabarana, who is the brother of Jayabahu)

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King Maha Parakramabahu• Developed literature and art of fighting

during childhood in Ruhuna.• Captured Polonnaruwa and became the king

for thr whole country.• He had four Missions with him

– Satisfaction of people.– Protection of Buddhism.– Protect the nobles.– Supplying necessities for poor.

Maha Parakramabahu Cont…• Developed and decorated the city of

Polonnaruwa with ponds and parks.• Put up Alabana Piriwena, Lankatikaka

Pilimageya, Baddaseema Palace, RupawathieChaiththya, Kiri Vehera, SubaddaChaiththya

• Built up Galviharaya, Demala Seya, Jethawanaramaya, Thiwanka Pilimageya, Nelum Pokuna and Pothgul Viharaya.

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Kings@Polnnaruwa• Maha Parajkramabahu 1153-1186 33 years• Vijayaba II 1186-1187 1 year• Mihidu IV 1187 5 days• Nishshankamalla 1187-1196 9 years• Veerabahu 1196 1 day• Vikramabahu II 1196 3 months• Chodaganga 1196-1197 9 months• Leelawathie (1) 1197-1200 3 years• Sahasamalla 1200-1202 2 years• Kalyanawathie 1202-1210 8 years• Dharmashoka 1210 1 year• Anikanga 1210 17 days• Leelawathie (2) 1210 1 year• Lokeshwara 1211 9 months• Leelawathie (3) 1212 7 months• Parakramapandu 1212-1215 3 years• Kalinga Magha 1215-1236 21 years

Kalinga Magha• Magha, a prince of Kalinga invaded the island with 2400

troops and conquered the country.• He claimed Sinhala throne by right of inheritance (Kalinga

kings and Sinhala kings were related by marriages.• Magha was a very cruel ruler. He tortured Sinhala people,

killed who resisted, looted everything possible.• He destroyed many Chethiyas, revaged the Viharas, tortured

Bhikkus and set fire to libraries.• Sri Lanka was set fire from 1215-1235• Magha was the most cruelest ruler country ever had.• But he couldn’t captured the Tooth Relic, which was hidden

in Kothmale.• Finnaly Magha was defated by King Parakramabahu II and

regained the power.

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Vijayabahu III1220-1224 4 years DambadeniyaRecaptured Maya rata and controlled Maya & Ruhuna.

Paraktramabahu II1234-1269 35 years DambadeniyaDefeated Kalinga Magha and controlled the whole countryHe did lot of work for the development of Buddhism.

Vijayabahu IV1267-1270 3 years Dambadeniyason of Parakramabahu II

Buwanekabahu I1270-1283 12 years Dambadeniya-Yapahuwa

Parakramabahu III1287-1293 6 years Polonnaruwason of Vijayabahu IV

Buwanekabahu II 1293-1302 9 years

Kurunegala son of Buwanekabahu I

Pandith Parakramabahu IV 1302-1326 24 years

Kurunegala son of Buwanekabahu II

Buwanekabahu III ruling duration not clear Kurunegala

Vijayabahu V ruling duration not clear Kurunegala

Buwanekabahu IV 1341-1353 12 yaers Gampola

Parakramabahu V 1344-1359 15 years Dedigama & Gampola

Vikramabahu III 1357-1374 17 years Gampola

Buwanekabahu V 1372-1408 37 years Gampola

Weerabahu II 1392-1397 17 years Raigama

Weera Alakeshwara 1397-1410 12 years Raigama

Parakramabahu VI 1412-1467 55 years Kotte

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King Parakramabahu VI• Stayed at Veedagama temple during his

childhood.• Vijayanagar emperor sent troops to

capture Sri Lanka, but king ParakramabahuVI defeated them.

• Sent prince Sapumal to Jaffna and defeated Arya Chakrawarthie and controlled the whole country.

• Send navy to South India and collected tributes .

Kings@Kotte• Jayabahu II 1467-1472 5 years• Buwanekabahu VI 1472-1480 9 years• Parakramabahu VII 1480-1484 4 years• Weera Parakramabahu 1484-1508 24 years• Dharma Parakramabahu IX 1508-1528 20 years• Vijayabahu VII 1510-1522 12 years• Buwanekabahu VII 1522-1551 30 yaers• Dharmapala 1551-1597 46 yaers

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• King Mayadunne1521-1581 60 years SeethawakaHe was killed by his son.

• King Rajasinhe I1554-1593 39 years SeethawakaGood fighterAttacked several times to Portuguese.Lost to Vimaladharmasooriya I in Kandy.

Kings@Kandy• Don Philip 1591 1 year• Vimaladharmasooriya I 1591-1604 13 years• Senarath 1604-1635 31 years• Rajasinghe II 1635-1687 52 years• Vimaladharmasooriya II 1687-1707 20 years• Narendrasinhe 1707-1739 32 years• Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe 1739-1747 8 years• Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe 1747-1782 35 years• Radadhi rajasinghe 1782-1798 16 years• Sri Vikrama Rajasinghe 1798-1815 17 years