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

Concise Mahavamsa Ruwan Rajapakse, P.E., Sinhalanet.com 96
(Author’s Note: Here we could see King Parakramabahu adopting somewhat inefficient way to build
a causeway. First, a canal was built to dry up the Daduru oya. Next, the causeway was built across the
dried up Daduru river.
Romans built similar causeways using structures known as coffer dams. On the other hand, the canal
was later used to cultivate new paddy fields. Hence, the canal had two purposes. In that regard the
decision to build a canal to dry up the river can be justified).
Parakramabahu Attacks Gajabahu in Pulattinagara:
After failing to capture Rohana completely, Parakramabahu decided to attack the capital city,
Pulattinagara.
After a great battle, Parakramabahu captured Pulattinagara and imprisoned King Gajabahu.
Manabarana Sees an Opportunity and Captures Pulattinagara:
After the major battle between Gajabahu and Parakrmabahu, Manabarana in Rohana thought that
Parakramabahu’s army would be tired to fight. Manabarana sent a huge force from Rohana, and was
able to capture Pulattinagara and imprison the previous King, Gajabahu.
Manabarana Treats Gajabahu Inappropriately:
Gajabahu was very unhappy, the way he was treated by Manabarana. Hence he sent a secret letter to
Parakramabahu to come and save him from Manabarana.
Gajabahu – Parakramabahu Alliance – Inscriptional Evidence
(Ref. Epigraphia Zeylanica – Vol IV, - S. Paranavithana)
(Edited for brevity).
In an inscription found in Kurunagala district in Sagamu Vihara, the agreement between King
Gajabahu and Parakramabahu was recorded.
“Swasthi! – We are the two brothers in law, Gajabahu and Parakramabahu, who
have come down in unbroken succession from the lineage of the Mahasammatha,
and to whom the truth is a treasure.
According to the treaty we have contracted, we shall not wage war till the ends of
our lives. If there be any Kings who are enemies to either one of us, they are enemies
of both of us. Were we to do anything contrary to this agreement, we shall be as if
we had transgressed the command of the three gems. We shall also never be
delivered from hell. May this writing protect the world so long as the moon and the
stars endure.”
Parakramabahu Attacks Manabarana: