1054 AC - 1055 AC

It is not clearly known who assumed rule after the death of Lokesvara Senaviriya. However, the Mahavamsa, which records the early events of King Vijayabahu, mentions that a person named Kashyapa, the leader of the Kesadhatu (Sacred Hair Relic), took over the administration of Rohana from Kataragama. Therefore, it becomes evident that, upon the demise of Lokesvara Senaviriya, the vacant position was filled by Kashyapa, the leader of the Kesadhatu. Nothing further is mentioned about him in the written records.
When the Cholas came to know that Kashyapa had taken control of Rohana, they came to battle against him. At that time, the Kesadhatu leader, who was not yet powerful, fought against them, drove away the Chola forces, and expanded his power up to the boundaries of Rakkhapasana (Rakkwana), setting up defensive measures and returning to Kataragama. The Mahavamsa says that his strength increased with this victory.
It appears that the Kesadhatu leader Kashyapa was opposed to Prince Keerthi (Vijayabahu). The general populace, however, took the side of the prince who was loyal to them. From this, it is clear that the people of Rohana, who were living without a proper leader, temporarily united around any leader who rose against the Cholas, but were ready to give their full support to a legitimate ruler once such a one appeared.
Kashyapa led his army against Prince Keerthi and came to a region called Sippatthala, but being unable to engage in battle, he fled to Khadirangana. Prince Keerthi then proceeded to Kataragama.
While these events were taking place, the Kesadhatu leader, who had earlier fled, once again gathered his army and advanced toward Kataragama to oppose the prince. In the ensuing battle, the Kesadhatu leader was killed. According to the Mahavamsa, his period of rule lasted six months.
After King Mahinda V had been captured and taken away by the Cholas, the hope of the people was that Prince Vikramabahu would preserve his safety and act in the future for the independence of the country. However, as we know, the prince unfortunately died, and thus the people’s hopes were shattered. Yet, it is certain that they continued to be directed toward some goal.
This situation can be analyzed in two ways.
Firstly, the people of Rohana maintained the aim of protecting their independence by defending themselves from the Cholas. For that purpose, they endeavored to continue their autonomy under the leadership of whoever gained power. From King Kitti up to Lokesvara Senaviriya, they had given their support to such leaders for this very reason. Whenever the Cholas invaded Rohana from time to time, it became essential for the people to have a strong leader to face them. Whether willingly or unwillingly, they accepted these leaders for that reason. It can thus be considered that, on every such occasion, the people united around their leader.
However, due to the desire for power, the leaders did not share a common national objective. Consequently, some leaders perished at the hands of the Cholas, while others killed each other in their struggle for authority. Because of the destruction caused by the Cholas as well as the conflicts among these leaders, the strength needed to expel the Cholas was weakened. Many people died due to the wars, and there were also losses of wealth. There is no indication that any significant economic development took place.
Secondly, due to the Chola rule that existed in Rajarata, their repeated invasions of Rohana, and the power struggles among the local leaders of Rohana, the people everywhere were crushed and driven into hardship. Yet, through all these actions, it is beyond doubt that they were earnestly praying for a good ruler who could safeguard the nation’s independence.