Concise Mahavamsa Ruwan Rajapakse, P.E., Sinhalanet.com 1

Concise Mahavamsa Ruwan Rajapakse, P.E., Sinhalanet.com 92
and Polonnaruwa for sixty years. It may be possible that Cholas completely neglected these Buddhist
structures. It is clear that Chola rulers did not have a systematic campaign to destroy Buddhist statues
and Viharas since if they did, sixty years is plenty of time to destroy almost anything).
King Vijayabahu ruled the country for fifty years and went to heaven.
King Vijayabahu’s Speech to the Royal Court (Raja Sabaya):
Matara Copper Plate Inscription:
In a Copper plate inscription found in Matara, one of King Vijayabahu’s speeches given to his Royal
court was recorded. The motive of the inscription is to provide immunity to Lord Budal, who
protected King Vijayabahu from his enemies when he was young. King’s speech was somber and
emotional. King talks about the hardships he underwent during his hiding from Chola forces. This
inscription is available in the museum of Anuradhapura.
“Swasthi! Prosperity, while boundless transcendental virtues were overflowing from their
multitudes just as prosperity was. His majesty, King Siri Sangabo Vijayabahu descended
from the lineage of King Okkaka, who made other Kshatriya families in the whole Dambadiva
his vassals……
In the presence of the Royal assembly including his brothers, and others, he of lion like
prowess lifted up the yoke in both hands and showing sideways his lips from which flowed
renowned majesty and abundant glory and which were made beauteous by the series of rays
from his teeth…said this.
“At the time we were remaining concealed in the mountainous wilderness, having been
deprived of our own kingdom in consequence of the calamity caused by the Soli (Chola),
Lord Budal of Sitnaru Bim, Constable of Rohana with the aid of his retinue, protected the
entire Royal family including our father, His Majesty King Mugalan, the great lord; He brought
us up in our tender age; He nurtured us with sustenance of edible roots and green herbs of
the jungle; He concealed us from the enemies who were prowling about, seeking us
wherever we went. Engaging himself in battle in this place and that place, he secured once
again the territory of Rohana. He took us out of the wilderness and established us in our
own kingdom. This is as a favor for the hardship he underwent on our behalf. With regard
to the sons and grand sons of this lord Budal in the manner it has come down from the
lineage even if they were to commit an offense fines should be levied, beyond a reprimand
administered by word of mouth, after having settled the offense, no fines should be
levied………..” ~
(Ref. Epigraphia Zeylanica, Vol 5, Part 1, Translated by S. Paranavithana – Edited for brevity)
Jayabahu:
After King Vijayabahu, his son Jayabahu became the ruler. Jayabahu did not appoint his younger
brother Wikramabahu as Yuwaraja. Instead he appointed his cousin Prince Manabarana for the
Yuwaraja post. (Manabarana is Jayabahu’s aunt’s son or King Vijayabahu’s sister’s son).