Principality of Ruhuna

Ruhuna (Ruhunu)

The Principality of Ruhuna also referred to as the Kingdom of Ruhuna is a region of present-day Southern and Eastern Sri Lanka. It was the center of a flourishing civilization and the cultural and economic centers of ancient Sri Lanka. Magama, Tissamaharama and Mahanagakula (now called as Ambalantota), were established here.

Ruhuna was founded around 200 BC by Prince Mahanaga, brother to Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura, after a personal dispute. This region played a vital role in building the nation as well in the establishment of Buddhist culture.

The area identified with Ruhuna in ancient times is mainly the Southern Province, a large part of the Uva Province and small parts of, Sabaragamuwa & Eastern Provinces.

Princes of Ruhuna

Portrait	Name	Birth	Death	King From	King Until	Relationship with Predecessor(s)
	Mahanaga	-	-	- BC	- BC	Younger brother of Devanampiya Tissa
	Yatala Tissa	-	-	- BC	- BC	Son of Mahanaga
	Gothabhaya	-	-	- BC	205 BC	Son of Yatala Tissa
	Kavan Tissa	-	-	205 BC	161 BC	Son of Gothabhaya
	Vikramabahu (aka Kassapa VI before coronation)	-	-	1037	1049	*Son of Mahinda
	Kirthi (Minister)	-	-	1049	1049	*A nobleman of Ruhuna
	Mahalana Kirthi	-	-	1049	1052	*A Chief
	Vikkama Pandya	-	-	1052	1053	*A Sinhala Prince
	Jagathpala	-	-	1053	1057	*A native of Ayodhya
	Pârakkama Pandya	-	-	1057	1059
	Lokeshwara (Minister)	-	-	1059	?	*An inhabitant of Ruhuna

See also

• Provinces of Sri Lanka
• History of Sri Lanka