1196 AC - 1196 AC

After King Virabahu, who ruled for one night, the throne was assumed by Prince Vikramabahu. He is considered the second Vikramabahu, as he appeared under that name. The Pujavaliya and the Minipē Sēlīpiya name him as Erapatta. As the Mahavamsa indicates, this prince was the brother of King Nissankamalla. During his time, there were expectations regarding the Vikramabahu succession. It is also recorded in King Nissankamalla’s inscriptions that this prince was among those who received Tulabharas (official posts or responsibilities). Professor Senarath Paranavitana states that he held an important position in the royal council.
It can be assumed that Prince Vikramabahu may have played a role in removing the crown from King Virabahu after the latter’s brief reign. During this period, there appears to have been a turbulent situation regarding the royal succession. The succession did not follow the order of after the king, the crown prince, or the brother, but rather a disorderly sequence. This seems to have been caused by ambitious princes seeking the throne, who likely had support from powerful holders of royal offices. It can also be assumed that Thavuru Senevirath may have provided decisive support to Prince Vikramabahu to obtain the throne.
Amidst the intrigues taking place within the royal palace, the successive short reigns of these princes came to an end. As a result, the reign of King Vikramabahu was limited to three months. The struggle for power by Kalinga princes, whether arriving with or before Prince Nissankamalla, likely contributed to the instability of the Polonnaruwa kingdom. This, in turn, seems to have invited opportunities for foreign enemies.