King Kanittha Tissa [164-192 CE]

Predecessor		Successor
King Bhathika Tissa [140-164 CE] -House of Lambbakanna-	King Kanitta Tissa [164-192 CE] -House of Lambbakanna-	King Khujja Naga [192-194 CE] -House of Lambbakanna-
COMPLETE LIST OF RULERS OF SRI LANKA

About King Kanittha Tissa

Kanittha Tissa, younger brother to King Bhathika Tissa and son of King Mahallaka Naga, governed Sri Lanka for 28 years after the passing of his elder brother. Historians Nicholas and Paranavitana (1961) place his reign from 164 to 192 CE.

The nearly 50-year period encompassing the reigns of King Mahallaka Naga and his two sons, Bhathika Tissa and Kanittha Tissa, is characterized by stability and development. The primary recorded achievements from this era are the construction of religious edifices and irrigation reservoirs. There are no accounts of internal conflicts or foreign invasions disrupting the nation’s tranquillity. Numerous inscriptions from this time document generous donations to religious institutions, painting a picture of a peaceful, prosperous land with a satisfied population.

King Kanittha Tissa was succeeded by his two sons, Khujja Naga and Kuncha Naga, who each took turns ruling Sri Lanka following their father’s death.

Works of King Kanittha Tissa

Bhutarama Viharaya: was donated to Mahanaga Thero
Ratnaprasadaya: What Lovamahapaya was to Maha Vihara monastery, Ratnaprasada was to Abhayagiri monastery.
Manisoma Viharaya: A great Pirivena at Manisoma Viharaya: The king also built a temple for the Mansoma Stupa
Ambasthala Stupa: A temple for Ambasthala Stupa in Mihintale
Nagadipa Viharaya : Restoration of Nagadipa Viharaya
Maha Viharaya: Built Kukkutagiri Cells and furnished them with all that was needed for the use of the monks. He also built twelve four-sided prasadas in Maha Viharaya. Breaking down the wall of the Maha Vihara on a side, made a road leading to the Dakkhina Vihara
Dakkhina Viharaya: A mantling for the Dakkhina Viharaya and a refractory
Ramagonaka Viharaya: Built a new Viharaya
Nandatissa Viharaya : Built a new Viharaya
Anula Tissa Pabbata Viharaya : Built a new Viharaya in Gangaraji
Niyela Tissaramaya : Built a new Viharaya
Pilapitthi Viharaya: Built a new Viharaya
Raja maha Viharaya: Built a new Viharaya
Kalyanika Viharaya: Built a new Upostaghara
Mandalagirika Viharaya: Built a new Upostaghara
Dubbalavapi Tissa Viharaya: Built a new Upostaghara

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

Mahanama, Geiger, W., & Bode, M. H. (1912). The Mahavamsa or the Great Chronicle of Ceylon. Translated into English by Wilhelm Geiger. For the Pali Text Society by Henry Frowde.
Oldenberg, H. (2001). The Dipavamsa : An Ancient Buddhist Historical Record. Asian Educational Services. (Original work published 1879)
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. (1959). History of Ceylon (University of Ceylon): Vol. 1 (part 1)–3. Ceylon University Press.
Senaveratne, J. M. (1930). The Story of the Sinhalese : From the Most Ancient Times Up to the End of “The Mahavansa” or Great Dynasty. W. M. A. Wahid & Brothers.