Thammanna Nuwara
Upatissa Nuwara
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura Chola
Ruhuna
Polonnaruwa
Dambadeniya
Yapahuwa
Kurunegala
Gampola
Kotte
Sitawaka
Kandy
Portuguese
Dutch
British
Monarch of Ceylon
191
King Sri Wijaya Rajasingha
Kingdom of Kandy
1739 AC - 1747 AC

After the death of King Sri Vira Parakrama Narendrasinghe, the throne passed not to a direct male heir or traditional successor, but to the brother of the queen. This was a significant departure from the established succession practices, which typically followed inheritance through the king’s sons, brothers, or nephews (through the royal sisters).

This unexpected succession marked the beginning of Sri Vijaya Rajasinha.

Through this transition, the Kandyan royal lineage effectively shifted into the Nayakkar dynasty.


Religious Influence and Early Life

Despite the controversial nature of his accession, Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe was raised in a deeply Buddhist environment. From childhood, he was closely guided by Venerable Welivita Saranankara Thera, who became his teacher and spiritual mentor.

Under Saranankara Thera’s influence, the king developed respect for Sinhala Buddhist traditions and values.


Attempts at Buddhist Ordination Revival

One of the key religious goals during his reign was the revival of the Upasampadā (higher ordination) tradition in Sri Lanka. The king attempted on two occasions to bring monks from foreign countries to re-establish the ordination lineage in the island.

However, both attempts were unsuccessful due to various political and logistical difficulties.


Political Context

During this period, the power of the Kandyan nobility (radalas) continued to grow significantly. The increasing influence of these local aristocrats created a more decentralized political structure, where regional elites held substantial authority.

This gradual shift weakened centralized royal control and reshaped the internal balance of power within the kingdom.


Isura Wickramarachchi
Mahawansa Pradeepikawa

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