King Buwanekabahu IV [1341-1351 CE]

Predecessor		Successor
Vijayabahu V [1335–1341 CE] -House of Siri Sangabo-	Buwanekabahu IV [1341-1351 CE] -House of Siri Sangabo-	Parakramabahu V [1344-1359 CE] -House of Siri Sangabo-
COMPLETE LIST OF RULERS OF SRI LANKA

Bhuvanekabāhu IV was the son of King Vijayabāhu V, who is also known as Savuḷu Vijayabāhu. He belonged to the Savuḷu family, which modern scholars—most notably S. Paranavitana—have identified as being of Jāvaka (Malay) or Kalinga origin. The designation Savuḷu is generally interpreted as a Sinhalese derivative of the term Jāvaka, implying a genealogical connection with the Srivijaya empire.

Some historical traditions insert Bhuvanekabāhu III (known as Vanni Bhuvanekabāhu) into the line of succession between Parākramabāhu IV and the Savuḷu rulers. However, he is frequently regarded as a king of “restricted dominion,” whose effective authority was probably limited to the forested regions of the Vanni during the final decline of the Kurunägala political center.

Rise to Power and the Move to Gampola

Bhuvanekabāhu IV came to the throne in 1341 CE. His accession is confirmed by epigraphic evidence, including inscriptions at Laṅkātilaka, where the year 1344 CE is recorded as his third regnal year.

The most consequential political decision of his reign was the formal relocation of the capital to Gampola (Gaṅgāsiripura), which was established on the banks of the Mahaweli River. Gampola provided natural rock defenses that were essential given the rising military and economic strength of the Arya Cakravarti of Jaffna.

Reign and Administrative Structure

Despite the fractured condition of the island, Bhuvanekabāhu IV adopted the title Trisimhalādhīśvara (Lord of the Three Simhalas), thereby asserting a symbolic claim to sovereignty over the whole of Lanka. In reality, his authority was shared with his brother Parākramabāhu V, who ruled from Dädigama (Puṅkhagāma).

The administration depended heavily on influential ministers from the Meheṇavara family, especially the general Senālaṅkādhikāra Senevirat. Senālaṅkādhikāra was probably related to the king by marriage and exercised considerable power, effectively supervising both military affairs and major public works. During this period, the Alagakkonāra (Alakeśvara) family also rose to prominence at Raigama, later playing a decisive role in resisting foreign invasions under subsequent rulers.

Contributions to Buddhism and Literature

The most lasting achievements of Bhuvanekabāhu IV are associated with religious construction and the reform of the monastic order. Under his patronage, and guided by Minister Senālaṅkādhikāra, two of the most celebrated shrines of the central highlands were erected.

Laṅkātilaka Vihāraya was built on the summit of the Parṇaśaila hill (Sindhūravāna). This three-story brick structure with a vaulted roof was praised as being as beautiful as Mount Kailaśa.

Gadalādeniya Vihāraya, also known as Saddharmatilaka, was constructed of stone in the Dravidian style under the supervision of the thera Dharmakīrti.

In addition to architectural patronage, the king was deeply concerned with restoring discipline within the Sangha. Disturbed by reports of corruption among monks, he empowered Minister Senālaṅkādhikāra to summon an administrative council under the leadership of the Supreme Thera Vanaratana of Amaragiri Vāsa. This investigation resulted in the expulsion of errant monks and led to a temporary revival of monastic standards.

The Fall and Legacy

The formal reign of Bhuvanekabāhu IV ended in 1351. He was succeeded by his brother Parākramabāhu V, who transferred the royal residence to Gampola after Bhuvanekabāhu IV’s death. Certain chronological traditions indicate that the two brothers may have ruled simultaneously for a period, suggesting a possible co-regency in which Bhuvanekabāhu IV functioned as the senior monarch.

Ancient Manuscripts Detailing the Sovereigns of Sri Lanka

Sovereigns of Sri Lanka are chronicled in several ancient manuscripts. These texts not only record the lineages of kings but also the significant events and developments of their reigns. Some of the most significant ancient sources are:

Dipavamsa: compiled between the 3rd and 4th centuries CE, and the earliest known historical chronicle
Mahavamsa: Initially compiled by Mahanama Thero in the 5th or 6th century CE, this chronicle was later expanded upon by other authors who added additional chapters. Covers events up until the reign of King Mahasena of Anuradhapura
Culavamsa: Starts where the Mahavamsa stops and records the history of Sri Lankan rulers from the 4th century to 1815. Mahavamsa and Culavamsa are often seen as one extended chronicle, commonly referred to simply as the Mahavamsa.
Pujavaliya: Written by a monk in or around 1266 during the reign of King Panditha Parakrama Bahu of Dambadeniya Kingdom
Rajavaliya: A 17th-century historical chronicle of Sri Lanka, covering the history of the island from its beginnings up to the accession of King Vimaladharmasurya II in 1687.

References

Codrington, H. W. (1960). The decline of the medieval Sinhalese kingdom. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society (Ceylon Branch), 7(1), 93–103.
Geiger, W., & Rickmers, C. M. (1929). Culavamsa: Being The More Recent Part Of The Mahavamsa: Vol. Part II–II. Pali Text Society. (Original work published 1815)
Gunasekara, B. (1895). A Contribution to the History of Ceylon: Translated from Pujavaliya. H.C. Cottle.
Gunasekara, B. (1900). The Rajavaliya, a Historical Narrative of Sinhalese Kings Vijaya to Vimala Dharma Suriya II. George J. A. Skeen.
Sirisena, W. M. (1971). Was Parākramabāhu VI of Ceylon a Jāvaka? The Ceylon Journal of the Humanities, 2(1), 1–13.
Nicholas, C. W., & Paranavitana, S. (1961). A Concise History of Ceylon: From the Earliest Times to the Arrival of the Portuguese in 1505. University of Ceylon.
Paranavitana, S. (1961). The Arya Kingdom in North Ceylon. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society (Ceylon Branch), 7(2), 174–224. [121–144]

Predecessor		Successor
Vijayabahu V [1335–1341 CE] -House of Siri Sangabo-	Buwanekabahu IV [1341-1351 CE] -House of Siri Sangabo-	Parakramabahu V [1344-1359 CE] -House of Siri Sangabo-
COMPLETE LIST OF RULERS OF SRI LANKA