page_title: Kandyan period
section_title: Kirti Sri Rajasinha
hierarchical_section_title: Kandyan period / Background / Kirti Sri Rajasinha
caption_attribution_description: English: Pane view within the Kali shrine in Munneswaram that depicts the deity killing a demon in a buffalo form.
context_page_description: The History of the Kandyan Kingdom in Sri Lanka starts with its foundation in 1476.
  The Kandyan Kingdom was the last Independent monarchy of Sri Lanka. The Kingdom played a major role throughout the history of Sri Lanka. It was founded in 1476. The kingdom located in the central part of Sri Lanka managed to remain independent from both the Portuguese and Dutch rule who controlled coastal parts of Sri Lanka; however, it was colonised by the British in 1815.
context_section_description: Kirti Sri Raja Singha was the second Nayaka king of Kandy. The is credited for the revival of Buddhism and literature in Sri Lanka. Under the guidance and influence of Weliwita Sri Saranankara Thero, with the Dutch assistance, Kirti Sri Raja Singha successfully invited Bhikkus from Siam (Thailand) to revive the higher ordination of Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka. He also built the existing inner temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Raja Maha Vihara (Gangarama) in Kandy. During his reign the Mahavamsa chronicle was continued from the time of Parakramabahu IV of Dambadeniya. He also rebuilt the Munneswaram temple close to Chilaw.
caption: Munneswaram temple, rebuilt by Kirthi Sri Rajasinha
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