1739 AC - 1747 AC

After the death of King Sri Vira Parakrama Narendrasinghe, the throne passed not to a direct male heir or traditional successor, but to the brother of the queen. This was a significant departure from the established succession practices, which typically followed inheritance through the king’s sons, brothers, or nephews (through the royal sisters).
This unexpected succession marked the beginning of Sri Vijaya Rajasinha.
Through this transition, the Kandyan royal lineage effectively shifted into the Nayakkar dynasty.
Despite the controversial nature of his accession, Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe was raised in a deeply Buddhist environment. From childhood, he was closely guided by Venerable Welivita Saranankara Thera, who became his teacher and spiritual mentor.
Under Saranankara Thera’s influence, the king developed respect for Sinhala Buddhist traditions and values.
One of the key religious goals during his reign was the revival of the Upasampadā (higher ordination) tradition in Sri Lanka. The king attempted on two occasions to bring monks from foreign countries to re-establish the ordination lineage in the island.
However, both attempts were unsuccessful due to various political and logistical difficulties.
During this period, the power of the Kandyan nobility (radalas) continued to grow significantly. The increasing influence of these local aristocrats created a more decentralized political structure, where regional elites held substantial authority.
This gradual shift weakened centralized royal control and reshaped the internal balance of power within the kingdom.
Isura Wickramarachchi
Mahawansa Pradeepikawa