1747 AC - 1782 AC

After the death of King Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe, the throne passed to the brother of the queen. At that time, the young prince Kirti Sri Rajasinha was only about 13 years old when he became ruler of the Kandyan Kingdom. This early accession significantly increased the influence and power of the Kandyan nobility (radalas), who began to dominate state affairs more strongly.
He is identified as Kirti Sri Rajasinha.
King Kirti Sri Rajasinha is especially remembered for his major contribution to the revival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Compared to earlier rulers, his support for the Buddhist Saṅgha and religious institutions is considered highly significant.
One of his most important achievements was the successful re-establishment of the Upasampadā (higher ordination) ceremony, which had earlier failed under King Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe. This led to a renewed Buddhist revival in the island.
Under the guidance of Venerable Welivita Saranankara Thera, the king reorganized the two main monastic chapters:
Senior monastic leaders were appointed according to Saranankara Thera’s instructions, strengthening the structure of the Buddhist monastic order.
Despite his strong religious contributions, King Kirti Sri Rajasinha struggled to gain the full support of the Kandyan nobility. The radala chiefs continued to hold significant regional power, limiting the king’s central authority.
This internal imbalance contributed to ongoing political instability within the kingdom.
King Kirti Sri Rajasinha died in 1782 CE after falling from a horse and sustaining serious injuries.
At the time of his death, the internal situation of the Kandyan Kingdom was already highly unstable, marking a critical phase in its later history.
Isura Wickramarachchi
Mahawansa Pradeepikawa