Bhatikabhaya Abhaya

Bhatika Abhaya or also known as Bhatikatissa was the King of Anuradhapura in the 1st century BC, whose reign lasted from 20 BC to 7 AD. He succeeded his father Kutakanna Tissa as King of Anuradhapura and was succeeded by his brother Mahadathika Mahanaga.

His reign of 29 years is recorded in Sri Lankan history as a very peaceful and prosperous time in the Anuradhapura kingdom. During his period of rule the king stopped collecting taxes.

A freedman of Annius Plocamus had mistakenly sailed on to the territory of Anuradhapura kingdom and had the opportunity to meet the king of Anuradhapura kingdom, the impressive collection of Roman coins caught the interest of the king on the western civilization and with the freedman a Sinhalese person was taken back to the mainland of the Roman Empire, it is said that he had become a diplomat for the Roman Empire.

Works by the king Name Date of construction DescriptionCittupathana pasada20 BC - 9 ADPalace/Mansion used by the king to give regular alms to monks. Maniupatthana pasadaMucalupatthanaPadumaChattapasadaUposatha buildingConstructed near Thuparama.