331 AC - 340 AC

King Mahasena had two sons. The manner in which the elder, Prince Sirimeghavanna, ascended the throne is made clear in the first chapter. After him, the throne passed to the younger son, Prince Jetthatissa. Historians refer to him as the second Jetthatissa because he is the second king to bear that name. As this king was the son of King Sirimeghavanna’s brother, Professor Wilhelm Geiger also notes this, and it corresponds with information found in Sinhala records and inscriptions. The name of this king is recorded in Sinhala texts as Detthissa. Here, “Jettha” does not mean “elder” but appears to have been used as a title or distinguishing name in later times. According to inscriptions, this king also used the name Sirimegha (or Sirimeka) in practice.
The Mahavamsa notes that King Jetthatissa was skilled in the art of carving. That is, he was adept in sculpture executed from ivory and other materials. The chronicle states that he sculpted figures from ivory, sandalwood, Kihiri wood, and stone. It is mentioned that he established a workshop and trained locals in this craft. Under the guidance of his father, he created, with great care, a Bodhisattva image resembling a carefully crafted work. The Mahavamsa provides a detailed description of this.
“Some say he died after enjoying such pastimes and ruling for a few years.” No additional information about this king is available from other sources. However, there is no doubt that he was able to engage in this enjoyable carving work due to the peaceful and self-sufficient condition of the country. This environment persisted until the reign of the succeeding kings.
Three inscriptions dating to the time of King Jetthatissa have been found. These are short inscriptions, so they do not reveal extensive historical information. From these, the inscription at Velangolla in the Kurunegala region mentions a donation by a person named Layamatha, son of Laysiva, residing in a place called Maktanika. According to the inscription, this donation was made during the reign of King Jetthatissa, son of King Mahasena. However, the part of the inscription that indicates in which year of the king’s reign this occurred has been lost.
Two other inscriptions from Bowatthegala in Ruhuna provide information concerning donations. In the first inscription, it is recorded that a woman named Tissa Ambika, daughter of an amatiya, made a donation for the purpose of Ariyavamsa preaching. The second inscription provides no other identifiable information except that it relates to the king. In any case, these inscriptions do not describe the king’s personal deeds but rather record acts carried out by others during his reign.
The reign of King Jetthatissa lasted nine years.