King Vimaladharmasuriya II (1687–1707 AD) succeeded his warrior father, Rajasinha II, but chose a different path. His reign was marked by peace and religious revival rather than constant warfare.
A Peaceful Reign
Unlike his predecessors, Vimaladharmasuriya II sought to maintain peaceful relations with the Dutch, who controlled the coastal areas. This period of stability allowed the kingdom to recover from decades of conflict and focus on internal development.
Religious Revival
A devout Buddhist, the king was deeply concerned about the decline of the Sangha (monastic order). He invited monks from Burma (Myanmar) to conduct the higher ordination ceremony (Upasampada), thereby restoring the lineage of ordained monks in Sri Lanka. He also constructed a new three-storied Temple of the Tooth to house the sacred relic.
Relations with the Dutch
While maintaining peace, Vimaladharmasuriya II was careful not to concede too much power to the Dutch. He used diplomacy to ensure that the Kandyan Kingdom retained its independence and access to trade, although the Dutch continued to control the island’s external commerce.