34 AC - 35 AC

King Amadagamin Abhaya had a son and a daughter. His son was named Chulabhaya. After the reign of King Kanirajanatissa, this prince ascended the throne. The Rajaratnakara identifies him as the son of King Kanirajanatissa. However, other historical chronicles, including the Mahavamsa, describe him as the son of King Amadagamin Abhaya. According to the Nikaya Sangraha, he should be the eldest son of Amadagamin Abhaya, known as “Kuda Aba” (the younger Aba).
Information revealed in ten inscriptions at the Galleṇ Vihara indicates that this king had a son named Tissa. These inscriptions mention the second king, Gamini Abhaya, as well as Tissa, who can be identified as a son not mentioned in the chronicles.
Another passage in the Rajavaliya is useful for clarification. In it, Kuda Aba is referred to as Chulabhaya Tissa. This shows that Chulabhaya in the Mahavamsa and Chulabhaya Tissa in the Rajavaliya are the same prince, and that he is the “Tissa + Ay” mentioned in the Galleṇ Vihara inscriptions. It is also noted that a cave there was consecrated by his queen without mentioning her name.
The Mahavamsa records that Chulabhaya, also known as Kuda Aba, built the Chulagala Vihara on the banks of the Gonaka river, while the Rajaratnakara states that the same temple was constructed near Daduru Oya. Gonaka is believed to correspond to Kala Oya. In Pali texts, this river is referred to by that name. The Rasavahini chronicles also mention the Chulagala Vihara near the Oya. The temple was established by Maliyadeva Maharahath, and the story of his journey with the monk Sulugulu Upasaka is described in a fascinating manner. Other than the construction of this temple, the chronicles do not mention any other activities of this king.
However, further details of his actions can be investigated through the Galleṇ Vihara inscriptions mentioned above. Some interpret these inscriptions as referring to the reign of King Walagamba, while others attribute them to King Kootakanthissa.
As we have noted, the Galleṇ Vihara inscriptions belong to the period of King Amadagamin Abhaya, and they reveal that his son, Prince Chulabhaya, served as a regional administrator in the southern provinces under the authority of the crown prince. These inscriptions also indicate that he carried out religious and developmental activities during that time. Chulabhaya’s reign as king lasted one year.