After the demise of King Gotabhaya, his son Prince Kakavannatissa, also known as Kavantissa, ascended the throne of Magama. From the time of King Gotabhaya, Ruhunu had remained almost entirely united. During the reign of King Kavantissa, he was attentive from the very beginning to the potential threats from King Elara of Anuradhapura.
Facing the Elara Threat
King Elara invaded Anuradhapura about a year after King Kavantissa ascended the throne. At this time, the three regions belonging to Ruhunu—Yoma Nuwara, Seru Nuwara, and Lona Nuwara—were governed by three regional rulers named Abhaya, Siva, and Maha Naga, respectively. King Kavantissa paid attention to the potential threats from King Elara from the outset and made the necessary security arrangements to face them.
Kingdom’s Defense Arrangements
According to the Mahavamsa, the king’s first action was to strengthen his army and protect Ruhunu’s borders with the military. Prince Sadda Tissa, the king’s younger son, was sent with armed vehicles to provide security in the Digavapi area. Furthermore, the chronicles mention that Prince Dighabhaya, a son of another of the king’s consorts, was stationed as a guard at Kasatota in Magama.
Developing Agriculture
To prevent food shortages during wartime, should an invasion by King Elara lead to war, the king’s next step was to develop agricultural activities. This is an excellent example of his farsighted rule.
Succession Plans and Sons
To prevent conflicts between his two sons (Dutugemunu and Sadda Tissa) for the throne after his death, and to prevent King Elara from invading based on such opportunities, he made his two sons promise before the bhikkhus (monks) and the army. However, it did not happen that way. According to the Mahavamsa, at the time of naming Prince Dutugemunu, the king expressed a wish that the task of expelling King Elara and unifying the country would be accomplished by his elder son.
Reign and Death
The Mahavamsa states that King Kavantissa’s reign lasted about 45 years. He was 64 years old at the time of his death. During his rule, significant development occurred not only economically but also religiously.
Economic and Religious Development
During this king’s reign, Sri Lanka’s economy and Buddhism experienced great progress. The Ruhunu Kingdom became a prosperous state.
Constructions and Renovations
King Kavantissa constructed 64 temples and monasteries. Among them are Magam Tissa Vihara, Jata Pabbata Vihara, Sithulpawwa Vihara in Ruhunu, Velgam Vehera in Trincomalee, and Seruvila Mangala Maha Chaitya. According to the Pujavaliya, this king also renovated the Kelaniya Vihara.