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

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Concise Mahavamsa Ruwan Rajapakse, P.E., Sinhalanet.com 94 Prince Parakramabahu grew up in the palace of his uncle Siri Vallabha. Friction started to develop between them. Parakramabahu Visits Gajabahu in Pulattinagara: Prince Parakramabahu comes to Pulattinagara, to visit Gajabahu. His intention was to spy on the activities of Gajabahu’s kingdom since he was planning to capture it one day. Parakramabahu Contemplates: Young Parakramabahu contemplates that; “This country, though small, is the home for five Dhathus of Lord Buddha. They are Kesha Dhathu, Dhantha Dhathu, Givatthi Dhathu, Akkhaka Dhathu and Pattha Dhathu. Further it is home to the Sri Maha Bodhi tree and the pure doctrine of Lord Buddha. Neither my father or my uncles were able to bring the country under one umbrella and make it a great country. It is my turn to do so” (Author’s Note: As per Mahavamsa Dhantha Dhatu was brought to Lanka during King Siri Meghavanna’s time by Hemamala. Keshadhthu (hair of Lord Buddha) was brought to Lanka by Silakala during Moggallana 1. Givatthi Dhathu (Neck bone of Lord Buddha) was brought by Sarabhu immediately after the death of Lord Buddha. Pattha Dhathu (Alms bowl of Lord Buddha) was brought by Sumana during King Devanampiya Tissa’s time. Only Dhantha Dhatu exists today. If proper campaign were to be conducted it is possible that other four Dhathus could also be found). Parakramabahu Rebels Against his Uncle Siri Vallabha in Rohana: After visiting Anuradhapura, he came back to Rohana. There he started a rebellion against his uncle Siri Vallabha. Prince Parakramabahu’s rebellion was not successful. After the death of Siri Vallabha, his son Manabarana became the ruler of Rohana. Parakramabahu and Manabarana Rules Dhakkina Desha (South): Two Princes Parakramabahu and Manabarana divided the southern part of the country among themselves. During this time period Gajabahu was ruling Anuradhapura. (Author’s Note: There are two Manabaranas. One Manabarana is the father of King Parakramabahu. The other is the cousin of King Parakramabahu. (Father’s brother’s son). Parakramabahu’s work as a Regional Chief in the South: Parakramabahu built the Parakrama Samudra in southern Lanka. Author’s Note: This Parakrama Samudra is not same as the Parakrama Samudra in Polonnaruwa. It is today known as Pandika Kulam or Pandika Wewa. (Ref: H. Parker, Ancient Ceylon). Parakramabahus’ Speech Regarding Irrigation:
Concise Mahavamsa Ruwan Rajapakse, P.E., Sinhalanet.com 95 Author’s Note: Parakramabahu as a regional chief in the south made the famous speech where he insisted that not a single drop of water should be allowed to flow to the ocean without been used for irrigation. Here I have included the paragraph from Mahavamsa as translated by Geiger. “In the realm that is subject to me there are, apart from many strips of country where the harvest flourishes mainly by rain water, but few fields which are dependent on rivers with permanent flow or on great reservoirs. Also by many mountains, by thick jungle and by widespread swamps my kingdom is much straightened. Truly in such a country not even a little water that comes from the rain must flow into the ocean without being made useful to man”. Further Parakramabahu continues regarding difficult tasks: “And when it is the case of a difficult task, all with untiring energy must not regard it as hard, without neglecting the command given by me, ye must fully carry out the work as ordered”. Construction of a Causeway Across Jajjara River (Daduru Oya): Parakramabahu ordered to construct a causeway across Jajjara river. (today known as Daduru oya). Master builders informed him of the difficulties of such a project. Master builders further stressed the fact that such a causeway will not be permanent and will subject to destruction. Parakrmabahu stated “What is there in the world that can not be carried out by people of energy? That even Rama had a great causeway built by the monkey hosts over the ocean”. Construction Details of the Causeway (Mahavamsa Account): Prior to construction of the causeway, a large canal was laid down. The depth of the canal was many times the height of a man. The canal was wide and constructed solidly. The construction work slowed down due to lack of stone masons. King brought in Coppersmiths, blacksmiths and goldsmiths and delegated them the work of stone masons. They were told that joints of stones were scarcely to be seen. He ordered the stone joints to be so perfect that after construction it should be strong as one massive rock. On both sides of the canal, King had paddy fields laid out. (Author’s Note: At this point, one may question the astuteness of delegating stone masonry work to goldsmiths and coppersmiths. I believe during that time period, these workers probably had the ability to work in many trades as the eighteenth century Engineers). Causeway Weir Diversion Canal Daduru Oya (Daduru river)
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Concise Mahavamsa Ruwan Rajapakse, P.E., Sinhalanet.com 1

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