Sirimeghavanna of Anuradhapura

Sirimeghavanna, also known as Kirthi Sri Meghavarnabhaya and Kithsiri Mevan, was King of Anuradhapura in the 4th century. According to the traditional chronology, he ruled during 301–328 AD; the modified chronology adopted by modern scholars such as Wilhelm Geiger assigns his reign to 352–379 CE.

He succeeded his father Mahasena as King of Anuradhapura and was succeeded by his brother Jettha Tissa II.

After the death of King Mahasen, his son Siri Meghavanna ascended the throne. Seeking to atone for the damage caused by his father, he consulted the Mahavihara bhikkus, who reminded him that the Mahavihara and the magnificent Lovamahapaya had been destroyed during Mahasen’s reign. In response, King Siri Meghavanna undertook their restoration. King Siri Meghavanna. He commissioned a statue of Mahinda Thera and placed it at Mihintale. Thonigala Rock Inscriptions (303AD-331AD) were also created during his reign.

Importance The sacred relic of the tooth of the Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Kithsiri Mevan who welcomed it with great respect, ushered them to his capital and enshrined it in Meghagiri Viharaya, presently known as Isurumuniya in Anuradhapura. In order to honor the sacred tooth relic, an annual procession called dalada perahera begins from the era of this king.