History of Sri Lanka and significant World events from 777 AD to 1216 AD

World events are in normal letters and Sri Lanka History events are highlighted in BOLD LETTERS

777 Situation in Lanka After eight (8) South Indian invasions and (6) rebellions launched by some power-hungry extremists, Lankan civilization stood solid. South Indian conspirators had by this time realised that the Sinhalese patriots would always bounce back to liberate the country from the evil clutches of the selfish corrupt elements even if they were Sinhalese or non-Sinhalese. Realising that it was impossible to grab the whole country, some South Indian extremists then targeted the northern Jaffna peninsula. They knew that the South Indian Warlords could help them better in the Jaffna peninsula.

777 Good South Indian migrants live happily with the Sinhalese Meanwhile, other good citizens of the minority communities lived with the Sinhalese all over the country. They enjoyed the peace, harmony, tolerance, and happiness that couldn't be found anywhereelse in the world. Even today many such minority elements that are well-aware of the facts, have tremendous respect towards the true genuine Sinhalese Buddhists. On the other hand, the minority elements buried under the weight of the anti-Buddhist propaganda remain hateful of the true Sinhalese. They criticise the true Buddhists who hadn't done any wrong to them, while holding hands with the selfish, corrupt Sinhalese who unfortunately had done all the wrong things to them. It is worthwhile mentioning that it was not only the minorities who suffered under the rule of the selfish corrupt elements, but also the Sinhalese. Also, these selfish corrupt Sinhalese didn't rule alone. The so-called minority leaders were their ruling partners as well. Therefore it is hypocritical to blame the Sinhalese Buddhists for all the troubles. History exposes those who had the wrong motives.

777 Jaffna Rebellion : During the good king Mahinda-2's rule, some officials in the north refused to pay tribute to the central government and refused to remit the taxes collected from the area. Lankan king Mahinda-2 was a well-known pious and a wise king. He held a conference with all the wise and fair persons of multicultural Lanka, including the Theravada monks, intellectuals and officials (including the South Indians in Lanka, who wished to live fairly with the Sinhalese), and formulated a national strategy. Then they deployed the Lankan army to win a successful war against the northern racist rebels. Lankan Army won all seven major guerrilla campaigns between 777 AD and 796 AD.

777 Lankan King answers claims of discrimination The total South Indian population in Lanka consisted of various South Indian tribes like Pandyans, Pallavas, Cheras, Kalinga people, and Cholas, speaking various Dravidian and South Indian languages like Teligu, Kannada, and Tamil. Though they were less than 4% of the Lankan population, when counted together they were the second highest ethnic group in the country. ( This would be why the Eelamists in 1849 AD start calling all these South Indian descendants of different tribes and different languages in Lanka as Tamils. That gave them one single large community for whom they could ask for a "Homeland"). The northern racist rebels used propaganda tactics to frighten this South Indian population living in Lanka. They claimed discrimination as the Government didn't extend the Royal patronage given to Buddhism to other religions like Hinduism. Such unfair claims had rallied ill-informed South Indians around the Jaffna rebels. Fair king Mahinda-2 then decided to extend the Royal patronage to Hinduism as well. He did this to end this claim of discrimination.

786 Sindbad the Sailor During the reign of Harun ar-Rashid (AD 786-809) in Persia ( Syria, Iraq and Iran), Sindbad worked as a merchant sailor. On his trade trips he became an explorer of India, Sri Lanka, and other countries. He claimed to have had many dangerous adventures in Sri Lanka.

789 Best Sailors in Europe at the time Vikings : Masters of rowing upstream and sailing into the wind begin 300 years of terror Archaeologists believe that Norway was inhabited around 12,000BC by hunters from western and central Europe. ( Later, farmers from Denmark and Sweden arrived and settled on the shores of the large lakes and fiords). All of them spoke a Germanic language that became the mother tongue of the later Scandinavian languages. Mountains protected them from attacks. Later an aristocracy, which became kings later, developed in villages. It was only in 750 AD that the first historical records of Scandinavia appeared. By that time 29 small kingdoms existed in Norway. By 789 AD, these kings of native tribes of Scandinavia ( Sweden, Norway, and Denmark) created 300 years of terror, by adopting a philosophy of looting from other Europeans in order to survive. They started to build narrow ships, which could be rowed or sailed and developed new tactics in rowing upstream using oar and sailing into the wind. That helped them to surprise their victims. They were named as the Vikings ( "rulers of the sea"). They raided castles, villages, Christian monasteries for food and valuables.

789 Viking Life : They didn't wear horned helmets ! They lived in primitive wood huts filled with smoke and walls of ash. They were one of the first Europeans to comb their hair which women of Britain liked when they raided Britian in 789AD. They worshipped 2 main Gods as Thursday (God of Thunder) and Friday (God of Fertility) and many other Gods. They washed their body on saturdays. They traded mostly with merchants from the middle east and Red Indians. They exchanged captured treasures and slaves for spices, ceremic beads, wine, Persian leather.

789 Viking Tactics Because of the hostile environment, a 3 year old Viking child was strong as a 6 year old child in other civilisations. At 6, they fought with other children in bloody endings and even killed their opponent for which their mothers sometimes were even proud of by saying "He will be real Viking". They carved the trunk of a single oak tree to build ships which can be 60 to 120 feet long. The broad hull and the shallow draft enabled them to take their boats anywhere and land anywhere. For these narrow ships, which could be rowed or sailed, they developed new tactics in rowing upstream using oar and sailing into the wind. Under sails they achieved 10 knots. They played board games during trips. Wearing bear skins, they moved in 12 man squads carrying iron swords, which were made light enough so that they wouldn't break on impact on shields, 3 feet long. Wealthy Vikings wore helmets and iron-ring body armours captured or bought.

789 Effects of Vikings on Europe Vikings were the only power in Europe that the French and the Roman Catholic church who were in alliance with French superpower, couldn't conquer. Norwagian Vikings, who colonised Iceland, Greenland and traded with Red Indians, were the most adventurous. Daring Danish Vikings raided as far as Paris in France, Hamburg in Germany, Lisbon in Portugal, Spain and Italy despite Franks having gurad posts along rivers. Swedish Vikings established forts north of East Roma Empire in Constantinople. Being natural and strong fighters, many European powers including Scotland, England, and East Roman Empire began to hire them as Mercenaries in their armies. That led to Viking settlements in Normandy from where they invaded and captured England in 1066AD. Then they advanced the backward England to Europeans standards. The Swedish Vikings who migrated to Russia became Russians.

789 Mahinda-2 makes social security a privacy issue in the new Privacy Law The needy who received Social security benefits could remain anonymous if they so wished under a new privacy law. The country was governed under the new privacy law, which prohibited personal details to be disclosed to third parties. This is a classic example to show why it is important to learn the whole history rather than limiting that to the period after 1500 AD. Driven by the interests of the religious institutions and super powers who are greedy and ambitious, some people are engulfed in promoting the propaganda rather than upholding the truth. They twist words, emphasize weaker points, create lies, develop and promote new theories among those who are unaware of the facts. Those who had limited their studies into the history after 1500 AD, are fascinated with the western world for the human rights and equality in the society. But many other civilisations had better systems in place before so called gentlemen or heroes, destroyed them either through the sword or the pen, with the Bible in the hand.

789 Thuparamaya is covered by a Dome of gold & Silver King Mahinda-2 rebuilt the Dome of the Thuparamaya Dagaba again. This giant umbrella was made of sheets of gold and stripes of silver. The invaders had destroyed the previous one.

789 Golden Buddha Statue at Ratna Pasadaya King Mahinda-2 rebuilt Ratna Pasadaya, which was what Lova Maha Paya was to Mahaviharaya, to Abayagiriya university. It was a splendid multi-storeyed skyscraper. Poets and international visitors compared it to a heavenly mansion. A priceless golden Budda statue was built inside.

789 Wildlife sanctuaries for the marine life & land animals Lankan King established National Parks, both in the land and in the sea to protect the land animals and the marine life. Lankans knew the importance of the nature. They knew that without the nature, the humans wouldn't survive. In these places the visitors could witness the animal life much better than the way we do today. Unlike today's "so-called" leaders, the real leaders of that time didn't allow their henchmen to destroy the nature in order to recover the cost of the election campaign.

793 First Recorded Viking Attack : Vikings start attacking Britain Unfortunately for the Saxons, European Vikings learnt of the island of England across the Atlantic ocean. ( Saxons who had migrated from Europe had taken over Briton from the north and had changed the name to England. The natives of England, named Britons, had been pushed further south into Wales). The new Vikings made it a habit to launch surprise attacks on the inhabitants of England.

794 Japan ceases to depend on Chinese culture: 300 Years of Japan's classical period begins As the Chinese Tang empire collapsed, the Japanese had hardly anything new to learn from China where local kings and states and invaders fought eachother. Rich local aristocrats, supported by the central government with tax-free status, began to enjoy themselves with music, poetry, art, fashion, wit and romance. This stable aristocratic society created the classical golden age of Japanese culture, which stopped it's dependence on the Chinese culture.

794 Beginning of the Japanese Culture The phonetic scripts, burrowed from the Chinese, developed the Japanese language. Japanese literature began to flourish. The first great imperial poetry was compiled.

797 Archiving the Judiciary in Sri Lanka King Udaya-1 ordered the record-keeping of judgements, which were just, to avoid violation of justice by anyone. This was the first proof uncovered about such records kept in Sri Lanka. This is also a classic example to show why it is important to learn the whole history rather than limiting that to the period after 1500 AD. Driven by the interests of the religious institutions and super powers who are greedy and ambitious, some people are engulfed in promoting the propaganda rather than upholding the truth. They twist words, emphasize weaker points, create lies, develop and promote new theories among those who are unaware of the facts. Those who had limited their studies into the history after 1500 AD, are fascinated with the western world for the human rights and equality in the society. But many other civilisations had better systems in place before so called gentlemen or heroes, destroyed them either through the sword or the pen, with the Bible in the hand. 800 Hindu kingdom in Southern Sumatra turns to Mahayana Buddhism Influenced by the trading vessels that arrived from Buddhist Bengal, the Hindu kingdom in Southern Sumatra became a Mahayana Buddhist kingdom. They continued to control the strait of Malacca. Within 220 years, Cholas from South India would arrive in their ships to capture this area.

800 New French King restores Leo III as the Pope Charles Martel's ( One who stopped the Muslim advance in France) grandson, Charlemagne became the new French king. Charlemagne restored Pope Leo III to the papacy ( leadership of the Roman Catholic Church). In turn, on the Christmas Day of that year, this new Pope would crown Charlemagne as "the Holy Roman Emperor".

800 Pope crowns the New French king as "the new Holy Roman Emperor" On 25/12/800, the Pope Leo III crowned him as Carolus Augustus, Emperor of the Romans. The critics claimed that he was neither Holy, nor Roman nor an Emperor. But the direct support given by the Pope made him the most powerful and influential king in Europe. Frankish (French) power peaked under this king Charlemagne. This tradition of claiming to be the Holy Roman Emperor continued until 1800s.

800 Franks try to make Saxons Christians With the blessings of the Pope, Charlemagne began to conquer and Christianise the Saxons. In this process however, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the northeast Spain, Bavaria, and Italy all ended up as the French territory.

800 Franks form the largest kingdom in Europe ( France, Germany & Italy) since the days of Rome Franks then had the largest territory ruled by a single kingdom in Europe since the Romans. The only tribe they couldn't conquer were the Vikings. Vikings were from Norway, Denmark and Sweden areas. They masters of sailing and ambushes. Like the Romans couldn't take on the Germans completely, Franks could never conquer the Vikings. Franks spent unbearable amount of their resources in trying to protect themselves from the Vikings.

800 Franks ( Largest Kingdom in Europe) learn from the Moors to improve their civilisation. Charlemagne could not read or write. But he knew the importance of what was happening in Spain, which was under the Moors. He tried to establish the high standards of civilisation practised by the Moors in Spain. He started to develop France and the Europe towards civilization. He built roads, produced coins and money, standardised weights and measures, and organised trade exhibitions to promote business. His court at Aachen was a gathering place for the new European scholars who discussed theology and literature. This became a model for the Christian schools later. The art and literature was mainly poor copies of Byzantine and Roman works. "The Song of Roland" the first great French epic was written on the death of Charlemagne's nephew, Roland, who died in a battle against the Moors in the Pass at Roncesvalles in 778 AD.

800 Basis of European civilisation is founded by the French king Charlemagne Charlemagne was a German warrior. Backed by the supporters of the "Roman empire", and fully supported by the Christian Church, his rule introduced a new European culture. That became the foundation of the modern European civilization. Thereafter, European kings followed this rule as a model.

800 Christian Church is the Most powerful religious Institution in Europe Although a Holy Roman Empire did not grow under Charlemagne's rule, Christian Church consolidated firmly in Europe. Christian Church became so influential that their impact on other religions and rulers was tremendous. Their only fear was the Vikings whom their political partner (the Franks) couldn't conquer.

800 World's First Novels originate from Japan Japanese aristocrat ladies wrote about the court life in exquisite details. They are regarded as the world's first true novels.

800 Vikings target the Christian Church Franks, the political partner of the Christian Church, were unable to destroy the Vikings. Angry Vikings relentlessly attacked all those who favoured the Franks. Europe's Christian churches were terrified of the Vikings. “From the fury of the Vikings, O God, deliver us” became part of the prayers in Europe's Christian churches. Fortunately for the Christian Church, within 250 years, the missionaries converted the Vikings to Christianity. They mixed with the rest of the Europeans by 1050 AD.

800 Danish Vikings pillage Paris, Germany, Portugal, Italy The Danish Vikings terrorized mainly the European villagers who lived along the rivers. Franks couldn't stop these Vikings rowing up the river Seine. Franks even stationed river guards at key ports. Yet the Vikings even burnt the town of Paris. Vikings massacred the Christian priests as they were in alliance with the Franks. In Germany, they rowed up the river Elbe. There they destroyed the town of Hamburg. In Portugal, they looted the town of Lisbon. They even raided towns in Spain, in Italy and in the Mediterranean.

800 Swedish Vikings creates Russia The Swedes Vikings sailed east, raiding the Baltic regions. They moved across the eastern Europe to the Black Sea. They built Viking fortresses from Sweden to Byzantium ( City of Constantinople in Turkey, which was the capital of the Eastern Roman empire.) One of the Swedish tribes, called the Russians, created a small town in a village named Kiev. This town later became the birthplace of Russia.

800 New Nomads appear : Hungarians & Bulgers After the Swedish Vikings swept through the eastern Europe, two more new groups of nomads, namely the Bulgars and the Hungarians, appeared. Both nomads were fierce fighters. They had originated from the Huns tribes in central Asia. The Bulgars settled on the banks of the Volga in today's Bulgaria. They began to attack the Byzantine Empire, without success. At the end, they were converted to the Greek orthodox Christianity.

800 Record of Tamil Bhikkus : Proof of Sinhalese multi-culturism A Queen of the Lankan King built a Buddhist temple named Jayasena Pabbata Viharaya for the South Indians in Lanka who had become Buddhist monks. This is another example for the beautiful multi-culturism practised by the Buddhist Sinhalese. Looking back now it is wonderful to even imagine how peaceful and harmonious the life must have been at the time. Despite the fact that some power-hungry non-Sinhalese tried to destroy the Sinhala system, many good Non-Sinhalese who understood the value of the Sinhala system, lived and benefited in Lanka. But the traitors used the open system the Sinhalese maintained without gratitude, to destroy the Sinhalese.

804 Value of looking after the elders : A Royal Example King Aggabodi-8 looked after his mother himself, setting an example to the whole country, by personally cleaning her, washing her, worshipping her, and paying respect to her 3 times a day. Everytime he paid respect, he reminded her how much he appreciated her. This tradition of looking after the elderly is still a very much important part of the SInhalese society. Unlike in the western society where parents are kept in the elderly homes, SInhalese still keep their elderly parents closer to themselves and pay respect to them everyday. Unfortunately, the invisible conspiracies have brought in the bad elements of the hectic, individualistic, materialistic western society into the Lankan society today. Under that pressure some Sinhalese are losing themselves unable to sort out what they should learn and what they shouldn't learn from the western society. Fortunately majority of the good SInhalese are still looking after their parents even today.

804 Treating servants with respect, equality and dignity : Another Great Sinhalese Quality King Aggabodi-8, by mistake, addressed a servant as a 'slave' . He apologized and to make up for it, got the servant to address the king as a 'slave'. He did that to prove that there was no difference between a king and a servant as humans. This is the difference between the Good Sinhalese Kings and the other kings of the world. Good SInhalese kings were NOT tyrants. They were servants of the nation. They ruled under the National philosophy. Sinhalese believed that only the respect earned should place someone above another in the society. This great Sinhalese quality has a history as far back as Pandukabaya's time. Good Sinhalese treat their servants as equal and with dignity as humans even today. Unfortunately, some Sinhalese who are unaware of their cultural traits have learnt to treat their servants as slaves.

804 Franks finish conquering Saxons: More territory for the French, More members for the Church French King Charlemagne, subdued the Saxons after a 32 year long fiercely fought campaign from 772 AD to 804 AD. French King Charlemagne had replaced his faithful Leo III as the Pope. In turn, this Pope had announced that the French King Charlemagne was the Holy Roman Emperor. French King Charlemagne then forced the Saxons to accept Christianity as their religion. French then acquired more territory and the Roman Catholic Church increased their membership.

804 Ban on sale and consumption of Fish, Meat, and Alcohol on Poya days King Aggabodi-8 banned the consumption and sale of fish, meat, and alcohol on Poya days. He had to impose this rule as many non-Buddhists didn't seem to respect the Sinhalese traditions voluntarily, though the Sinhalese tolerated other religions. Even today, despite the social pressure brought on the Buddhists by the corruption of the social values, many Buddhists live a harmless life. Avoiding the food made of fish, meat and alcohol, is very much part of the Buddhist way.

814 Germany breaks away from Franks as a separate country Since the days of the Rome when they fought the invincible Roman Army with success, Germans had displayed their refusal to live under someone else. After the death of French king Charlemagne in 814 AD, the French empire was divided into three parts. That was the basis for today's France, Germany, and Italy. Germany took the lead. While all three parts of the region shared with France a Frankish heritage, Germany's Franks adopted another language. That was to be the prototype of the modern German language.

828 44,600 Buddhist Monasteries in China After the collapse of the mighty Tang empire, a weakened Chinese Emperor Wen-tsung had to re-establish the Imperial patronage on Buddhism by popular demand. There was a revival of Buddhism in China. The Emperor built giant Buddha statues in all these 44,600 Buddhist monasteries.

830 Thuparamaya gets a Dome of Gold bricks, and Gold Doors. The giant Dome covering the Thuparamaya Dagaba was strengthened with gold bricks as the thugs had damaged the golden Dome. Also, all doors were fitted with doors made of gold. All this was done under the king Dappula-2. Unfortunately, these magnificent building couldn't be save for the future generations as the invaders and the thugs hired by the selfish corrupt power-hungry elements destroyed this heritage.

835 9th invasion- Pandu king invades Lanka on invitation by the traitors. Many racist South Indians in Lankans joined the invaders. It was just one year ago that the Sinhalese living in Jaffna thwarted the attempt to colonize the Jaffna peninsula by some power-hungry South Indians. Their conspiracy with the South Indian rulers became evident within one year. Pandyan king himself invaded Lanka with his highly skilled, experienced army. Unlike the Lankan soldiers, the South Indian soldiers experienced battles as their kings and warlords constantly fought among themselves for power in the dozens of little kingdoms in South India. As the invaders destroyed the Lankan resistance in the north, some unpatriotic racist South Indians living in Anuradapura and other areas joined the invader. They probably hoped that they could obtain ruling power, more official positions and more business opportunities to exploit the country's resources when the invader destroyed the Sinhalese. Army regiments of the Lankan army, which were full of South Indians, joined the invaders as usual.

835 Battle of Vanni : Lankan Army is massacred Deputy king Mahinda ( second elder brother of the king) led the army into battle. The South Indians soldiers of the Lankan Army who joined the invaders knew all intelligence, precise tactics and formations adopted by the Lankan army. Lankan army was easily massacred in the decisive battle in the Vanni. Defeated, the Deputy king and the surviving soldiers committed suicide refusing to surrender.

835 Lankan Army's gallant Last stand in Polonnaruwa : Sinhala Soldiers fight to the last man Once the Army was routed in the battlefield, Lanka king, Sena-1 who was used to Buddhist temples and to Bana and Pirith ceremonies rather than battlefields, had to flee to Ruhuna. Then the third brother of the king, a heroic prince named Kassapa, regrouped the rest of the army regiments. He knew that this was not enough to stop the invaders and their collaborators who were then overjoyed with their victory. Yet they decided to face the invaders and the local traitors. With their brilliant tactics, they initially forced the invaders to retreat. But a lot of Sinhala civilians, who were more exposed to Buddhist temples and Bana preaching than to fights, were too scared of the ruthlessness of the enemy and were too scared to fight. Kassapa had to withdraw towards Polonnaruwa with the last of the warriors. In the final battle there, the invaders and the traitors killed him and all of the soldiers. (But the people in Ruhuna hid Kassapa’s infant son. In 18 years he will free Lanka from the invaders and traitors.)

835 Power-hungry collaborators are let down by the invader Once the Pandyan king routed the Lankan army and grabbed Anuradapura, his promises to the local collaborates, obviously changed. Eelamists claim that Jayatunga, so-called "second Tamil rebel king" (son of the first king, Ugra Singham) of the so-called first Tamil kingdom was killed in disagreement with the invading army. The invader didn't want two bosses in the north. Naturally one had to submit to the other. The power-hungry Lankan South Indians would learn their lesson here. They were let down by the Pandyan king the same way they let down the Lankan government.

835 Power-hungry collaborators will hire private armies instead of King's armies After this sour experience, the power-hungry Lankan South Indians would prefer to "hire" the private armies belonging to South Indian warlords like Kalinga Magha, instead of inviting the South Indian Kings to invade. But the cost of their selfishness to Lanka, especially to the Sinhalese was incalculable. Just reading the well-documented destruction caused to the Lankan civilisation is enough to imagine the total destruction the Sinhalese faced because of this hunger for power.

835 Invaders plunder temples, (including Thuparamaya) for gold, jewels, and treasures. All the valuables, the Gold ( mainly used to make plates and images in Buddhist temples ), the Gems ( mostly embedded as eyes on Budda statues) were looted. Sadly, Lankans had just finished repairing them after the South Indian conspirators destroyed them 500 years ago. The Pandyans led by their power-hungry leaders, excelled in waging war. They didn't have the pride or the desire to create such buildings in their kingdom. Pandyans and their local collaborators were only led by power-hungry leaders. They obviously didn't care about the value of what they looted and destroyed.

835 LOVAMAHAPAYA is destroyed for 4th time LovaMahaPaya, (which was to Lanka, what the World Trade Centre was to the USA in 2001 AD) was destroyed for the fourth time. ( First by a mysterious fire, then in 103 BC during the 4th Invasion on Lanka, thirdly by the South Indian thugs living in Lanka who fooled King Mahasen for sometime in 275 AD). The impact of this destruction cannot be expressed in words. Lova Maha Paya was the pride of the Nation. All the sailors, merchants, and other international visitors to Lanka at that time had stood awestruck at the sight of this magnificent building which radiated under the sun and the moon alike. The repair work of the Lova Maha Paya alone, since the last destruction, had taken over 250 years. Hundreds of Lankan experts in architecture, engineering, interior decoration, and artists along with thousands of workers had worked hard generation after generation, to rebuild this. All that hard work and the resources were wasted in just one day.

835 RatnaPasadaya (LovaMahaPaya of Abayagiriya) is destroyed by invaders This was the second skyscraper of the nation. RatnaPasadaya was also a huge university complex. There was a famous golden Buddha statue which had amazed the international visitors to Anuradapura. This became a target probably due to this valuable Buddha statue. ( 18 years later the infant son of the prince Kassapa who was killed by the invaders in the last battle in Polonnaruwa, would invade Pandyan kingdom to recover the looted treasures. He would bring back this Golden Statue). The famous mansion was ransacked. The invaders looted and destroyed the complex. It has been recorded that here all valuables were collected by the Pandyans. This was how the invaders recovered the cost of the invasion.

835 Pandyan invaders destroy royal palace repaired 200 years ago. Invaders destroyed the Royal palace in the citadel of Anuradapura. The Royal palace had been restored 200 years ago. ( in 643 AD, South Indian thugs in Lanka had sacked and burnt the Royal palace built by King Kutakannatissa in 45BC). This was the second grand Royal palace built by the Sinhalese after the destruction of the first Royal palace built by the King Pandukabaya.

835 Invaders make a treaty with the king in exile in Ruhuna Pandyan king offered a treaty to the king Sena who was in hiding in Ruhuna. King Sena was making plans to escape to the friendly SriVijaya kingdom in Malaya. He cancelled his plan to escape and agreed to the peacepact unconditionally. The treaty included numerous gold and valuables ( in addition to what the South Indians in Lankas stole from Anuradapura). Pandyan king left Lanka with the valuables.

850 Chola kingdom is ruled by the Pandyans The two South Indian super powers at the time were Pallavas and Pandyans. They constantly battled for supremacy. A much smaller and an insignificant Chola kingdom was then under the rule of the Pandyans. They took the side of the Pallava kingdom hoping to get rid of the Pandyans. First target of the Cholas was obviously to chase the occupying Pandyans out of the major Chola town Tanjore.

850 Rise of the Chola power in South India Vijayalaya, the leader of the Cholas, along with the Pallava Army, recaptured Tanjore from the Pandyans. He declared that Tanjore would be the capital of his Chola kingdom. This event marked the rise of the Chola power in the South India. Power-hungry, militaristic Cholas would even betray their friends in arms within just 30 years. In 30 years, Cholas would wipe out the Pallava kingdom forever as Cholas emerged as the most powerful South Indian empire in history. They would be the only Indian empire to have a successful Naval force. Cholas would then challenge and invade the Pandyan kingdom in South India. Under pressure from the South Indians living in Lanka, Lankan king would be forced to help the Pandyans. Cholas would take the Pandyan kingdom and then invade Lanka as well. The South Indian traitors in Lanka would then collaborate with the Cholas in running the government.

852 The Great King Sena-2 ( Son of Lankan Hero Kassapa killed by the invaders 18 years before) During the last invasion, after the Lankan Army was massacred in the Battle of Vanni by the invaders, a heroic prince named Kassapa, who was the third brother of the king Sena, had regrouped the rest of the army regiments. He knew that this was not enough to stop the invaders and their collaborators. Yet they decided to face the invaders and the local traitors. With their brilliant tactics, they initially managed force the invaders to retreat. But a lot of Sinhala civilians, who were more used to Buddhist temples and Bana preaching than to fights, were too scared of the ruthlessness of the enemy and were too scared to fight. Kassapa had to withdraw towards Polonnaruwa with the last of the warriors. In the final battle there, the invaders and the traitors killed him and all of the soldiers. But the people in Ruhuna hid Kassapa’s infant son. he grew up in Ruhuna, learning the skills necessary for a king. After 18 years he came back to become the king. He was a great Lankan king. He fought the selfish corrupt elements in Anuradapura with nothing but the will power and the wisdom.

853 King Sena-2 orders coronation to be held every year in a Buddhist temple The selfish and the corrupt were so powerful that it was very important that king take advice from the wise and pious intellectuals. This tradition ensured the king's obligation to respect the good advice of the Maha Sangha, and his responsibility to uplift and protect the good Theravada Buddhism without which Lanka couldn't survive. ( Haven't we all realised that by now ?)

853 Sena-2 decides to invade Pandyan Kingdom to recover the looted treasures. The Great new king Sena-2, during the festival of the tooth relic, noticed that the giant pedestal of the Buddha Statue in Ratna Pasadaya was empty. Only then he discovered the detailed story of the destruction the invading Pandyans had done. He made a determination to recover what was lost. He planned to invade Pandyan kingdom by restructuring and retraining the army to suit for fighting the overseas military forces. Then came the opportunity he was waiting for.

853 2nd Lanka

854 The Golden Dome of Thuparamaya is restored again Sena-2 restored the Golden Dome of the Thuparamaya at a tremendous cost. It had been destroyed and plundered by the invaders before.

854 RatnaPasadaya is repaired & the famous Golden statue is reinstalled Great king Sena-2, reinstalled the golden Budda statue recovered from the Pandyan kingdom. Like they did at the Sri Maha Bodhiya, Royal guards were assigned to protect this Golden Buddha Statue.

855 LovaMahaPaya is rebuilt for 4th time Repair work on Lova Maha Paya, which had been destroyed for the fourth time, began under the great king Sena-2. ( A mysterious fire first destroyed this pride of the nation. Then it was destroyed in 103 BC during the 4th Invasion on Lanka. Thirdly the South Indian thugs living in Lanka who fooled King Mahasen in 275 AD destroyed it). Sena-2 built another golden Buddha Statue inside the building. But 100 years later, the invading Cholas would maliciously destroy this building permanently.

855 Beginning of the Dan Sela : On Poya days, Food & clothes are donated to the travellers Under the Great King Sena-2, a new tradition commenced. On Poya days, the Buddhists donated Food and clothing to the poor and the travellers. One can only imagine how this worked in Lanka with the selfish and corrupt elements who were waiting for any opportunity to take advantage on anything. That was probably why this tradition slowly disappeared. Buddhists probably couldn't afford to give out food and clothing which kept ending up in the market stalls the following morning. Nevertheless the tradition continues in a much smaller scale today. On Vesak and Poson Poya days, Buddhists hold Dan-Selas. ( Dan Selas are outlets that offer free food and drinks to the tired pilgrims. Unfortunately 54% of the Sri Lankans are poor and don't know when to obtain their meals. Therefore these DanSela have become a meal outlet to the poor Sri Lankans ).

858 Japanese Emperors become figureheads as Fujiwara family takes over Fujiwara family was the most powerful aristocratic family in Japan. One of them became the Minister in charge of the administration on behalf of an infant Emperor. Fujiwara family turned this into a tradition of governing the country on behalf of the emperors for 300 years. The Fujiwara family achieved their objectives mainly through politics, without using much violence. Fujiwara daughters were married to young Emperors when they were teenagers. The elder Fujiwara family members who were veteran politicians controlled these teenage emperors. In 884 AD, the Fujiwara family even created a new powerful post which was second only to the emperor. This Post of Civil Dictator was reserved for the leader of the Fujiwara family. Slowly, the imperial title became a powerless title. Landowners governed the rural areas and paid tribute to the Central Government.

868 Oldest surviving printed book in the world The Chinese had already invented the paper and the printing press. They also proudly own the oldest surviving printed book in the world today. It was printed in China on 11th May, in 868 AD. Named "The Diamond Sutra", the book contains a collection of Buddhist prayers. The book has many illustrations. During this time when Tang dynasty had disappeared local families, kings and invaders fought eachother. British took this book to England when they took China in the 19th Century. This book is still in a British museum.

880 End of Pallavas : Cholas become the rising power in South India King Aditya was the son of Vijayalaya who had joined the Pallava kingdom in the war against the Pandyans. 35 years ago, Vijayalaya had liberated Tanjore from the Pandyans. From then on, Cholas had been mastering the art of warfare. They had developed the first powerful Navy in South India. They also designed and built huge military carts ( equivalent of Military Tanks today ) which can carry shooters and weapons of mass destruction. With the help of this new military power, King Aditya declared war on Pallavas, who was their partner. Soon the Cholas wiped this South Indian super power out. King Aditya took the Pallava capital in 880 AD. That was the end of the Pallava power. Their own sub-kingdom of Chola, in South India, conquered them.

887 Ruhunu Rebellion : Warlords and the private armies were NOT unique to North A former deputy king who was supposed to be the Governer of the Central Government for the Ruhuna area had become a Warlord. He had raised a private army and claimed separation from the central government in Anuradapura. ( This is a classic proof that such local rebellions were NOT unique to the north. Whenever the power hungry powerful people noticed that the Central Government was weak, they would rebel for power in their local areas. But Eelamists today quote such rebellions that occurred in the north as liberation struggles for an independent Tamil Homeland ). These selfish, power-hungry elements were refusing to remit taxes to the Central Government. They neglected and ruined the infrastructure in Ruhuna. Ill- disciplined thugs oppressed the innocent people in Ruhuna.

887 Prince Mahinda & General Vajiragga restore peace in Ruhuna King Udaya-2 had to despatch Prince Mahinda who was his brother's son and the clever General Vajiragga, to Ruhana to destroy this rebel gang. Ruhunu People oppressed by this band of thugs, joined the king's force. The thug army was destroyed and the warlord was imprisoned. Prince Mahinda was appointed as the new Governer for the Ruhuna. He did an excellent job in reviving the security, irrigation, and religion in the South.

887 10th Invasion : Udaya-2 defeats the invaders at the beach Pandyan king decided to rob Lanka again. But his timing was bad. The brave and clever king Udaya-2 (who was the deputy king under the previous heroic King Sena-2) defeated the invasion force at the beach itself. Surviving Pandyans escaped in their ships, back to the Pandyan kingdom.

900 Mayans disappear in history for reasons unclear, around this time the Mayans abandoned their cities and returned to a village life in the jungle. It has been suggested that the invasions from the Toltecs in central Mexico could be a reason. History shows that they conquered at least one Mayan city. Other reasons could have been the overpopulation, crop-failures, epidemics, and natural disasters. Within 40 years, the jungles covered the once great Mayan Cities.

900 Hungarians convert to Christianity By 900 AD, the migrant Hungarians had settled in the Danube plain. They also raided the European settlements around them. Finally they were conquered and were converted to Christianity by the Franks.

907 Chola kingdom expands in South India under King Parantaka Around this time, Parantaka became the Chola King. He wiped out all signs of Pallava heritage in the Pallava kingdom which was by this time part of the Chola kingdom. He destroyed all Pallava elements who dared to resist him. After consolidating Chola power over the Pallavas, he then would go on a well planned military campaign against the Pandyans, the only remaining Super power in South India. He also challenged the Rashtrakuta emperors to the north. That initiated a series of fierce battles which would drag on for many decades. Parantaka is regarded as the real founder of the Chola power in South India.

917 Pandyan Kingdom asks for Lanka's Help When it was time, the powerful Cholas led by king Parantaka, invaded the Pandyans Kingdom. King Rajasimha, ruler in Pandyan kingdom asked for Lanka's help. The South Indians living in Lanka who had many powerful connections with the Pandyan kingdom, managed to convince the Lankan king that helping Pandyans would keep the Cholas away from Lanka.

917 Lanka helps the Pandyans Lankan king at this time was Kassapa -5 who had many rare talents as an expert in Buddhism, knowledge on former births, Wisdom, Speeches, reading people's minds, and teaching. He was a known pious king who rejoiced in the welfare of the others. Finally he decided to send the Lankan army under Saksana Pathi ( Minister in charge of preserving Buddhism) hoping a free Pandyan kingdom would act as a buffer between Cholas and the Lanka. Many members of the South Indian community in Lanka, who were loyal to the Pandyan later became. History proves that they only "used" the Buddhists, taking advantage of their fine tolerant qualities).

917 Battle of Vellur in South India : Cholas beat both the Pandyan and Lankan armies Combined forces of Lanka and the Pandyans, met the invading Cholas at Vellur, in South India. This battle of Vellur is remembered even today in South Indian history, for the exceptional bravery on both sides. Even before the battle began, Lankan army had suffered more casualties to sickness than in combat. The Sinhala commander of the expeditionary force was also killed in the battle. Cholas finally emerged victorious. Pandyans lost their military supremacy in South India after this battle. The Lankan force was recalled back to defend Lanka in the inevitable invasion.

924 Lanka gives shelter to the Pandyan King Pandyan king Rajasimha, who was responsible for the destruction of Lanka many times, escaped to Lanka with the Lankan Army. He couldn't find shelter in anywhere in South India as the Cholas had spies all over the region. The History is so ironic that it was Lanka who provided him with shelter last. He lived as a Royal Guest in Lanka. The Lankan treasury paid all his expenses.

924 Lanka try to help the Pandyan king Sinhala king Dappula-4, under pressure from some influential South Indians living in Lanka, even tried to raise a private army to help the Pandyan king to regain his land. Unlike in South India where many made a living as soldiers of fortune, religious Sinhalese were not mercenaries who were interested in fighting. So they couldn't find enough recruits to this private army. Also many Ministers objected to the idea. They said that would bring Lanka into a direct war against the Cholas.

924 Pandyan King leaves his Royal Valuables in Lanka Pandyan king then disguised himself and went to the Kerala area in South India to see if he could raise a private army there. Obviously trusting the good Lankans more than the South Indians, he left his crown and the other Royal valuables in the safe custody of the Lankans. Cholas were desperate to get these Pandyan Royal valuables. They were a symbol of the ages-old South Indian Royalty, without which Cholas found it embarrassing to rule over the Pandyans.

918 New Royal Palace is built King Kassapa- 5 had to build a new Royal palace in the citadel as the invaders had destroyed the grand Royal palace 65 years ago.

918 An Animal hospital with specialised Vets. Kassapa-5 built this exclusive hospital near the South Gate. This animal hospital had specialised vets for each type of animal. That gives an indication of the advance state of the Lankan civilisation. While their power-hungry leaders and warlords waged war on eachother, it is not surprising that many South Indians loved to live in Lanka enjoying such high standards of civilisation. It is so unfortunate that they have forgotten their obligations to the Sinhalese civilisation.

930 Largest city in Europe : Cordoba For the first time in the history of mankind, Europe gets a large city. City of Cordoba was the capital of the Muslim Spain for nearly 300 years. During this time Cordoba was also the largest city in Europe. By 930 AD, Cordoba was a major centre for the Islamic intellectuals and academics.

930 Largest Mosque in the world The famous mosque named "La Mezquita" in Cordoba was probably the largest Mosque in the world. That was later converted into a Christian Cathedral.

930 Europeans learn from the Muslim Spain Not even the French, the European superpower, was advanced enough to build such cities like Cordoba. European superpowers like the French, learnt the modern aspects of the civilisation from these Spanish Muslims.

938 Vietnamese free the country from the Chinese & make Hanoi their capital Since the fall of Tang empire in 907 AD, China was weakened by infighting between kings, local rich families and invaders. Vietnamese achieved independence after defeating the occupying Chinese. This marked the end of nearly a 1000 year struggle against the Chinese occupation. Free Vietnam then developed Hanoi as their capital city. In 1885, the French took Vietnam and exploited the massive resources of the country. Patriotic Vietnamese fought two European superpowers for 30 years to regain their freedom. In 1954 they defeated the French in the historic Battle of Dien Bien Phu. In 1972, they forced the mighty Americans to withdraw from Vietnam. In 1975 they achieved the independence at last.

938 Theravada Monks and the Public discipline the Cruel King : (Puliyankulam Inscription is dated to this time) Lankan King at this time became corrupted and ill-disciplined. He entertained the corrupt merchants and the officials. Under the influence of immoral values, he began to despise the good values of the Buddhists. He refused to allow the time-off for officials to meditate in the grove of penitents ( Topavanaya). When the good officials protested, this bad king beheaded them. The public and the good Theravada monks protested in unity. The king realised that he had to govern the country under the national philosophy. He then apologised to the people and the monks, and behaved better.

945 Baghdad falls to Shiites Muslims The Shiites Muslims took the power in the capital city Baghdad. They remain a powerful community in Iraq even today.

946 Lankan King becomes an alcoholic because of corrupt friends Lankan king Udaya-4 at this time became an associate of the corrupt elements living in Lanka. He went on a life of self-indulgence, neglecting his responsibility as the leader of the nation. He became an alcoholic who spent most of his days drunk and not knowing what was going on outside the Royal palace. The corrupt friends of the king who obviously benefited from his drunkenness, covered up the facts from the public and the Theravada monks. As the infrastructure of the country was neglected, the National defence became weaker. Slowly the people got to know the truth, and the king became very unpopular.

946 11th invasion- Alcoholic King tempts the Cholas to invade Lanka When Parantaka, the Chola king, heard of the situation in Lanka, he decided that it was time to invade Lanka. These Cholas also wanted to get the Pandyan Crown, which was in the safe custody in Anuradapura. As the Cholas landed in the north, Lankan army commander Senapati was killed in action in fierce battles that followed. Alcoholic King escaped to Ruhuna with the valuables. Powerful Cholas took the city of Anuradapura. They would hold the city for a few weeks before General Viduragga retake the city from them.

946 Legend of General Viduragga Lankan Army regrouped under another General named Viduragga. Based on the experience in fighting against the Cholas, he formulated a new defence plan to protect Ruhuna. As Cholas tried to enter Ruhuna, this new army commander Viduragga blocked them successfully. Cholas kept on trying. General Viduragga spent these few weeks studying the tactics of the Cholas. What he learnt of the Chola tactics became very useful as the Lankan Army began to chase the Cholas all the way to South India.

946 Cholas are surprised to see Lankan standards During their stay in Lanka, the Chola invaders destroyed the city of Anuradapura in jealousy. The Chola cities looked like provincial towns when compared to the grand cities in Lanka.

946 National Library is destroyed On the record was the destruction of the sacred library which contained the valuable book DammaDatu brought in the 6th century by Silakala. This National library was situated in the citadel in Anuradapura. The entire library was burnt and destroyed.

946 Temple of the tooth relic, Mirisavetiya, Jethavanaramaya, Thuparamaya are looted and damaged On the record was the destruction of the umbrella (the giant dome that covered the dagaba) of Mirisavetiya Dagaba. Also the World's largest image house in the Jethavanaramaya University complex, was destroyed. The four Dagabas around Thuparamaya Dagaba were broke open to loot the treasures inside. The temple of the tooth relic was also destroyed. These recorded details are enough to understand the whole picture of the destruction caused. Fortunately Cholas couldn't stay more than a few weeks in Lanka.

946 Chola King Parantaka returns to defend the Chola kingdom At this time, the Cholas were engaged in fierce fighting in their northern front. Krishna-3 ( emperor of the Rashtrakuta empire which was to the north of the Chola kingdom) had launched a new offensive to chase the invading Chola forces there. The advancing Rashtrakuta troops had killed the son of Chola king Parantaka in battle. Shocked and very upset, Chola king Parantaka decided to return to the northern front. Many Chola army units were ordered back to defend the Chola kingdom. The Pandyan crown was safe in Ruhuna.

946 General Viduragga chases the Cholas all the way to South India Viduragga, a talented commander, followed the retreating Chola army units to the city of Anuradapura. He then decided that it was time to chase them all the way to the Chola kingdom. He used the captured enemy ships to land in South India. Pandyans must have helped him to chase the retreating Chola army. As he got close to the Chola capital city Tanjore, Cholas offered a ceasefire. He demanded what was looted from Lanka. He managed to obtain many treasures looted by the Cholas. then he came home victoriously.

952 Social security Food Centre in Mihintale impresses even modern Architects Even modern Architects are impressed by the Alms Hall (The Social Security Food Distribution Centre), which was built by the good King Mahinda-4. 114 feet long and 77 feet wide building had an open-air central courtyard. The floor was paved with granite tiles. The kitchen was in the southern end. Storeroom was on the west. Main entrance was from the west. Meal serving area was in the east of the building. The courtyard had water supply (by granite cisterns) supported on pillars. The underground drains were fully enclosed. Water came from the Naga Pokuna (The Snakes Pond) through the underground clay pipes. The efficient planning and the facilities offered were of the best standards at the time. Even today the standards match many strict guidelines of the regulations in the western world. One can only imagine where Sri Lankans would have been today if they were allowed to peruse such standards of civilisations. This adds proof to the belief that Sri Lanka would have been a super power if not for the destruction caused by the traitors, invaders, and collaborators.

952 Famous Hospital in Mihintale is a legend among the archaeologists Though much proof of the world class standards of the Sinhalese civilisation had been burnt, a handful had survived to be discovered by the archaeologists. One such amazing discovery was the now famous hospital in Mihintale. Good king Mahinda-4 had built this hospital mainly for the Buddhist monks. Even for such humble purposes, this hospital has Courtyards, Medicine baths, Resident patient's rooms, Pharmacy, Hot water baths, Consultation rooms, and an Herbal Medicine factory. From these facilities, one can only imagine how the other hospitals would have been like. This discovery has impressed archaeologists, art students and history students.

952 How come Sri Lankans don’t know about this history ? In any other country, people would learn lessons from such proud history to make sure past mistakes are not repeated. In any other country, all the children would learn this proud true history so that they would learn to respect and follow the values which made such high standards possible. None of these glorious aspects of the Sinhalese history is made available to the ill-informed minorities in Sri Lanka today. This only shows the strength of the sinister anti-Buddhist elements who are after their unfair religious and ethnic objectives. They wouldn't want their community to know the true history of the country. That would jeopardise their selfish power-hungry journeys. The selfish corrupt Sinhalese elements are also happy to keep this glorious history a secret from the Sinhalese masses. Many of these selfish corrupt Sinhalese elements reached the higher levels of the society through collaboration during the colonial period. They are scared that the Sihalese masses might find out the true Sinhalese standards of leadership.

954 A typical Sinhala Kingdom of peace, harmony, and happiness on record The history records that this period was as good as it ever was before 777 AD. The land was a typical Sinhala Kingdom where all the Lankans lived in peace, harmony and happiness. Minorities enjoyed equal status and tolerance that they could hardly find anywhere lese in the world. A society based on true Theravada Buddhist principles never enforced values which could corrupt or harm anyone belonging to a minority ethnic community who believed in different religions. It was only the selfish, corrupt elements who suffered under these true Buddhist principles. They do even today. They couldn't promote their lies, hypocrisy and their hunger for power which were exposed by the true Buddhist principles. That is why they are engaged in sinister anti-Buddhist propaganda to prove that Buddhists are a Joke...!

954 Sinhalese Qualities of Leadership Udaya-4 was a wise, educated, and a religious king who was impartial to friend and foe. He was talented in poetry and encouraged the artists to make creations. He was full of pity and goodwill. Every evening he sat in the Lova Maha Paya, among thousands of other pilgrims, listening to wise and intelligent discussions conducted by the Buddhist monks of all three Buddhist Nikayas.

955 Rashtrakuta emperor, Krishna-3 defeats the Chola king Parantaka Meanwhile the Chola king Parantaka who had his forces chased away from Lanka, went straight into battle against the army of the Rashtrakuta empire. Cholas had woken up a sleeping giant by attacking the Rashtrakuta empire to the north of the Chola kingdom. Rashtrakuta army led by their emperor Krisna-3 had killed Chola King Parantaka's son in their counter-attack. Initially Chola king Parantaka was successful in stopping the Rashtrakuta army. But he didn't have enough resources to sustain his resistance. Rashtrakuta Army took both Tanjore ( Chola Capital) and Kanchi, the major towns of the Chola empire.

955 Cholas escape destruction….. Quite unfortunate for Sri Lanka, the Rashtrakuta Empire didn't destroy the Chola kingdom. Instead, they were happy to collect taxes. Cholas were free to regroup. After this, Chola power in South India weakened for about 30 years until the Chola king Rajaraja again waged war on other states in the region.

956 Temple of the Tooth Relic is repaired The good king Mahinda-4 repaired the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which was burnt down by the invaders. The ruins you can see today in Anuradapura, are the remains of this new building.

956 Mahamevuna Uyana is named as Ranmasu Uyana King Mahinda-4 changed the name of the sacred Royal park to Ranmasu Uyana which meant the "Gold-fish" park. It was designed so that the water from the Tissa Weva would flow through this park first and then to many other sacred places, before they were diverted to the rice fields through filters.

956 The Golden Dome and the famous Golden Doors of the Thuparamaya, are restored The giant Golden Dome ( The Umbrella), famous Gold doors, Silver and Gold decorations ( all of which were looted and destroyed by the invaders) were re-installed during the reign of Mahinda-4. Such expensive repair work that had to be carried out because of the greedy invaders, further eroded the wealth of the nation.

956 Mahinda-4 develops Defence, Agriculture & the Economy King Mahinda-4 was a very religious king who was also rich in merit, fame and wisdom. He repaired all the reservoirs in order to develop the economy. He knew that the show down with the Cholas and the power-hungry local warlords was not far away. He retrained the Lankan Army to be able to fight the invaders.

956 12 the & 13th Invasions : Cholas invade Lanka twice. But Lankan army chased them away at the beach itself During the rule of this good king Mahinda-4, Cholas attempted twice to invade. Both were big mistakes for the Cholas. They obviously underestimated the quality of the Government rule in Sri Lanka and over-estimated the support that they could obtain from the collaborators in Lanka. The good Lankan Army maintained by the good king, stopped them at the beachhead itself. Cholas had to turn back to South India. They would wait for another opportunity.

956 Proof of One United Sri Lanka In another solid proof of one united Lanka, king Mahinda-4, ruled whole of Lanka at this time. He was a clever military leader who made sure that no power-hungry rebellions threatened Lanka. This militarily talented king overcame all prospective provincial warlords who might collaborate with the invaders. He united all parts of the country under the central government in order to face the invaders in unity. Unfortunately, he died of a sudden illness. His son was only 12 years old. The collaborators in Lanka knew that their opportunity had come. It was under this new young king's rule, that the ultimate destruction happened.

956 Rebuilding LovaMahaPaya for the 5th & LAST time King Mahinda-4 tried desperately to restore Lova Maha Paya to it's former glory. He found funds to re-do all the steel work on the multi-storey building. Unfortunately, before his work finished, the next invasion came in. He wasn't able to finish it. In 20 years, the South Indian thugs in Lanka would plunder Lova Maha Paya. In 44 years, the malicious Chola invaders would destroy Lova Maha Paya forever.

960 Song dynasty emerges in China : They discover Gunpowder As Tang dynasty fell in 907 AD, China had been weakened by fighting between minor kings, rich local families and invaders. in 960 AD, the commander of the Palace Guards was installed as the new emperor by the troops. This Song Dynasty began to rebuild China, taking the Tang dynasty as an example. The Song rulers knew how previous Chinese dynasties fell when provincial governments became too powerful. They introduced a very strong central bureaucracy which kept good effective control over the regional governments. The provincial armed militia units were under the central control. They re-established Confucianism as the National philosophy. They encouraged imagination and new inventions. One of the most important creations under the Song dynasty was the gunpowder.

960 Secrets of Song Dynasty success : ECONOMY Song dynasty chose the south less affected by war to develop agriculture. They introduced guidelines on Water conservation in paddy field farming, techniques to increase production, cotton textiles ( first time as a major employment), Printing by blocks, Handicrafts and technology. Production of gold, silver, copper, and iron was at highest in Chinese history. Internal trade expanded. New towns emerged from villages. Chinese traders went abroad both along the Silk Road and by ship. Population passed 100 million.

960 Turks emerge in Central Asia The Turks ( “The Strong” ) were nomads who originated from the plains of the central Asia. At the beginning they fought the Chinese regularly in the east. Turks soon found that China was too strong. Then they turned towards the west.

960 Turks take Baghdad in Iran Turks who turned west from China, moved in two directions along the vast Central Asian plains. One group even crossed the river Volga and the river Danube. They then invaded Greece. But they were defeated. Other group invaded Iran and captured the city of Baghdad.

960 Turks capture the Eastern Roman Emperor in battle The Turks who invaded Iran then challenged the eastern Roman empire in Constantinople. In one of the battles, they even captured the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) emperor. Everyone knew that Turks were a force to be reckoned with.

960 China follows Lankan example to provide equal opportunity Chinese economy couldn't bear the cost of maintaining the mainly corrupt Chinese bureaucracy and the cost of defending the northern frontier from the invaders. Emperor's chief counsellor, Wang Anshi, proposed a radical social reform programme. Like in the Theravada Buddhist system in Lanka, he wanted to develop the masses. He believed when everyone had the opportunity to develop, the government would benefit in the form of increases in the tax revenue. He proposed equal land rights for all Chinese ( so that everyone had the same opportunity), Farm loans to farmers ( to encourage agriculture), Higher taxes on the wealthy Chinese ( to cut down the exploitation of national resources by the elite). He also proposed that the government must take care of the storage and the distribution of any surplus harvest which could be useful during a famine.

960 Like in Sri Lanka, the Chinese Social Elite also objects to strengthening the public Again, just like in Lanka, the selfish and corrupt elements in the Chinese social elite objected to the implementation of this programme. They were scared that the equal opportunity to the masses, would enable the really talented and capable commoners to rise up in the social ladder. That could expose the weaknesses of the elite many of whom were hanging on to their social status by the inheritance handed down to them by birth. Under their hair-splitting arguments, this excellent programme was abandoned.

960 Scholasticism in China As the pressure mounted against the reforms, the excellent reform programme was abandoned. Good old scholasticism ( " the study of pre-existing answers to pre-existing questions, rather than imaginative pursuit of new questions and answers" ) returned to the Chinese system. Unfortunately, by this scholasticism, the creativity and the inventiveness of the Chinese, disappeared. When a new threat came up, just like the way it happened in Sri Lanka after 1948 AD, the Chinese elite couldn't figure out the sure and certain way to handle it. They tried to find answers with what was in front of them.

960 14th Invasion : Vallaba, the Pandyan king in South India, invades Vallaba, the Pandyan king in South India, invaded Lanka again. Lankan army units stationed in the Jaffna peninsula couldn't stop them from landing in the island of Nagadeepa. As the Pandyan invaders occupied the Nagadeepa island in the north, king Mahinda-4 sent Lankan army commander to the north. He battled the invaders with success. The invading force surrendered in battle to the Lankan army. King Vallaba then offered to leave Sri Lanka in peace. The good Buddhist King Mahinda-4 accepted the peace deal. King Vallaba withdrew with his troops back to the Pandyan kingdom in South India.

962 Tax from Buddhist temples abolished Unlike in the past, the constant disturbances in the form of invasions and rebellions had affected the economy badly. As the state had to divert the little resources available on high-priority projects, the Buddhist temples had to maintain the public infrastructure in their areas. To help them to function smoothly, King Mahinda-4 abolished taxes payable by the Buddhist temples on their properties and income. Unfortunately, this attracted a lot of corrupt people to become Buddhist monks. They made this a business where they paid no taxes. They began to benefit from the system. When the good Theravada monks and the king tried to disrobe them, the selfish corrupt elite who sponsored them, would protest. This sorry tale continues even today.

962 French & Germans are separated By this time, the German tribes had broken away from the old Frankish kingdom forever. The French tribes continued expanding the old Frankish kingdom.

962 French king try to imitate Roman emperors Otto I, ( Otto the Great), the King of the Franks, conquered Poland, Bohemia, and Italy. Then he took a short cut to dominate Europe. Otto entered Rome and forced the Pope to crown him as “Augustus and Emperor”. He hoped to rule Europe through his fantasy to be the heir of ancient Rome. He copied the activities of King Charlemagne who had initially made the connection between the Pope and the French kings. He established a court school where classical literature was written and discussed. Otto said that this was the beginning of "the Holy Roman Empire", which lasted until 1806 AD when Napoleon ended it all.

962 “Neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empire”- Voltaire The biggest criticism of this bogus Roman empire came from a Frenchman himself. French writer and philosopher Voltaire who lived from 1694 to 1788 AD, called this much publicised empire “neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empire”.

972 A 12-year old king & an even younger Deputy king With the sudden death of the good king Mahinda-4, his 12 year old son Sena-5 became the king. This was a crucial time for the country. Both the Cholas of South India, and the treacherous power-hungry elements in the Lankan community in Lanka, were planning to grab the power. Sena-5 was too young to advise the ministers with the necessary foresight.

977 Adultery destroys Lanka While the Senapati Sena ( the army commander) was away from Anuradapura on a mission to settle a hostile situation, king discovered the army commander's brother in intimacy with the queen mother. This was a period when the 17 year old king was under a lot of pressure. He was dependant on the good advice given by his Ministers. There were both good Ministers and corrupt ministers who were acting well around him. Young king was under tremendous pressure. He was very strict in order to control the rise of the selfish corrupt elements. King had to pass the death sentence and execute him for adultery. This was probably meant as a warning to the other powerful elements in the city who were trying to corrupt the society. Then the king heard that the angry army commander was turning against him. King appointed a new army commander named Senapati Udaya.

977 Adultery destroys Lanka : Greedy Merchants fund a Private Army The ousted army commander Senapati Sena was blind with anger. He failed to see the fault of his brother and developed hatred against the 17 year old young king. The good old selfish corrupt elements living in Lanka, approached him. The selfish power-hungry officials approached the South Indian Generals who commanded the ethnic regiments of the Lankan Army. They also hired mercenaries from South India. The greedy merchants funded them. They raised a private army of 95,000 troops who were mostly serving troops in the army. It didn't occur to the foolish Ex-army commander Senapati Sena that they were weakening a glorious civilisation. As you can see next, this was the turning point of the Lankan history.

977 Adultery destroys Lanka : Foolish Army Commander rebels against the King The Ex-Army Commander led his 95,000 strong private army towards Anuradapura. Little he realised the motives of the selfish power-hungry elements who helped him to raise this private army. Foolish Queen mother also secretly sent him valuable information. The young King lost the battle and withdrew towards Ruhuna with his new army commander. They stopped and faced the enemy again. They were routed in combat by the fearsome private army. King managed to escape with his Army Commander again and took shelter in the jungles in Ruhuna.

977 King makes peace by voluntary retirement 17 year old young Lankan king Sena -5 who was hiding in Ruhuna, sent Senapati Udaya to make a peace pact with the victorious Senapati Sena. young Lankan king Sena -5 obtained peace by choosing to retire. He lived in Polonnaruwa as a retired king. He became increasingly upset with the subsequent events in Anuradapura. He became very depressed and became an alcoholic. There was no one around him to guide him or to help him. Soon the events drove him insane. He would die at the age of 22.

978 Ex-Army Commander is let down Victorious Ex-Army commander was astonished to see what happened once the Lankan army was no more. The Greedy Merchants and the selfish corrupt ministers, officials and regional governors took over the rule. Ex-Army Commander couldn't become the king. In fact, no one even consulted him on any thing.

978 Greedy Merchants refuse to pay for the Hired Mercenaries The South Indians recruited by the selfish corrupt elements continued to demand their payments. It is obvious either the Greedy Merchants who promised to fund them, later dishonoured their promise after the King was defeated, OR/AND South Indian mercenaries continued to demand payments seeing that no one was able to challenge them.

978 South Indian Mercenaries refuse to leave Lanka Seeing that there was no one who could challenge them, South Indian Mercenaries refused to leave as expected. There was no Lankan Army. The provincial warlords had practically taken control in their local areas. They obviously noticed how weak Lanka was. The foreign warmongers grouped themselves as bands of thugs to make a living. They demanded ongoing cash payments.

978 South Indian Thugs are hired by Local Warlords : Breakdown of Law & Order The provincial Warlords, corrupt merchants and officials who could afford to pay for their services, hired them as their private armed squads. They raided Lankan towns and villages and ambushed on highways. There was no Lankan Army to maintain law and order.

956 Rebuilding LovaMahaPaya for the 5th & LAST time is stopped…….! 20 years ago, good King Mahinda-4 had tried desperately to restore Lova Maha Paya to it's former glory. He had re-done all the steel work on the multi-storey building. Unfortunately, before his work finished, the next trouble came in. South Indian thugs in Lanka, taking advantage of the destruction of the Lankan King and the Lankan Army, looted and damaged the Lova Maha Paya again. Under the selfish rule, the repair work stopped. In 44 years, the malicious Chola invaders would destroy Lova Maha Paya forever.

978 South Indian Thugs plunder Anuradapura : LovaMahaPaya is destroyed again. The Great capital City of Anuradapura was full of foreign strangers carrying weapons. Senapati Sena, the ex-Army Commander watched helplessly as his South Indian mercenaries together with the South Indian thugs in Lanka, plundered the city of Anuradapura. South Indian thugs also plundered the great skyscrapers in Lanka. They were eyesores to the ethnic extremists and the invaders who felt an inferiority complex when they looked at them. It was a constant reminder to the fact that the Sinhalese had mastered the creativity and the sciences, while the invaders had mastered the art of fighting and looting.

978 South Indian Thugs attack civilians : Angry Sinhalese leave Jaffna and Rajarata for Ruhuna As the foolish ex-Army commander watched helplessly, his South Indian thugs turned to robbery. They raided Sinhalese homes at night and harassed the Sinhalese. Sinhalese who had lived a religious life that was centered around Buddhist temples, didn't know how to face or to fight them. The religious Sinhalese developed a permanent suspicion of the South Indian residents living in Lanka from these times. South Indian thugs and unruly elements who supported the new selfish corrupt leaders, plundered the cities. Angry Sinhalese started to leave the north and the Rajarata for Ruhuna. They went complaining to the Lankan king who was in retirement.

981 Most adventurous Vikings : Norwegian Vikings reach Greenland After colonizing Norway, the Norwegian Vikings migrated and colonised the Iceland. One of these Vikings, Eric the Red, was so bad that his own people chased him out from Iceland. He, in typical adventure spirit, sailed west, and discovered Greenland in 981 AD. Slowly, the Norwegian Vikings colonised the Greenland.

981 Norwegian Vikings : Middlemen between Red Indians & the Europe for 500 years The Norwegian Vikings who colonised the Greenland, came into contact with the native Red Indians in North America. They developed primitive trade with the Red Indians. They traded these products to the Europe. They carried on this lucrative business for nearly 500 years until Christopher Columbus “discovered” America and the Spanish took over the trade.

982 Selfish Corrupt Elements install a new King to escape responsibility There was no one to pay for the South Indian mercenaries who were recruited by the selfish corrupt elements. They continued to demand their payments. It is obvious that the Greedy Merchants who promised to fund them later dishonoured their promise after the King was defeated. To escape from this responsibility, the selfish corrupt elements appointed the younger brother of the last king as the King of Lanka. He became king as Mahinda-5 ( He was the second son of the Great King Mahinda-4), He was only a puppet under the selfish corrupt administration.

982 South Indian thugs harass the new "Puppet" King South Indian thugs in Lanka refused to leave the country. They demanded that they wanted to live in Lanka on regular pay. Groups of them frequently challenged the king by forcing themselves in to the palace without any respect or regard. The new king Mahinda-5 ( younger brother of the previous teenage king Sena-5) had no power to stop them. King didn't have money to pay them either. So the pillage and the robberies continued.

985 The king who made Cholas the Most Powerful South Indians : RajaRaja Around this time, RajaRaja became the king in the Chola kingdom. He is credited with raising the military strength that would enable the Cholas to rule the whole region in 25 more years. First he built ships capable of high sea adventures. He used these ships to buy heavy weapons of mass destruction from the Eastern Roman weapon manufacturers. Then he began the legendary Chola conquest of the South Asia. First he defeated the Chera ( Sera) King Bhaskara Ravivarman who lost the war when his ships were destroyed in the port of Kandalur in the battle of Trivendram. Under his son, his army will then invade the rest of the South India, Lanka, and the Maldives. His military power will help him to rule the Pandyan kingdom, Andra Pradesh, and parts of Mysore as well. He will also make use of his Navy power to steal the trade between Lanka and China.

991 Venice trade with Muslims without fighting As Attila turned back without capturing Italy, some of the displaced native refugees of north-eastern Italy, continued to live in the islands, marshes, and lagoons where they took chelter from Attila. This settlement grew connecting 120 islands created by the 177 canals by 400 bridges. By 991, this independant republic of Venice became the greatest commercial centre for trade with the East due to the Venetian policy of trading with the Muslim powers rather than fighting them. In 1204, the weakening of the Byzantine Empire made Venice politically the strongest European power in the Mediterranean. By 1400AD, Venice was the leading maritime power in the Christian world. Through the 15th century, Turkish invasions ended the Venetian supremacy. By 1500, discovery of sea route to India was crippling blow. In 1508 the Holy Roman Empire, the pope, France, and Spain together captured Venice. In 1797 the Venetian Republic was captured and ended by Napoleon.

999 Islamic Turks take Afghanistan Mahmud of Ghazni established the first Turkish Islamic empire in Afghanistan. His Royal court in Ghazni in Afghanistan was a centre of significant Islamic culture. His Turkish troops frequently raided northern India. Ultimately, North India would fall under these Islamic invaders.

1000 "Art of Warfare" is compulsory for the Chinese Officer Cadets In 100 BC, the Chinese emperor ordered a scholar to collect and list all literary work for the imperial library. He noted a classic "The Art of War" written by a Sun Tzu on 3 rolls of thin wooden slips. He mentioned that there were 82 chapters of the classic, each describing tactical philosophy in various aspects of warfare. Men of every Chinese family studied this book. This is the earliest record of the existence of the classic believed to be written around 500 BC in China by the warrior Sun Tzu. By 200 AD, 69 chapters had been lost. Father J.J.M.Amiot, a Jesuit missionary in Peking, first introduced the remaining 13 chapters, which survive even today, to the western world. He translated the classic into French and published in Paris in 1772. 12 years later, a 16 year old poor cadet officer named Napoleon Bonaparte, who couldn't afford to attend parties, read this with so much interest and passion. Around 1000 AD, it was compulsory for the Chinese officer cadets to master it. The rest is history. Today, even undergraduates in business studies learn it.

1000 First Muslim attack on India The Mahmud of Ghazni, the Islamic Turk ruler in Afghanistan, led first Muslim attacks on India. North Indian rulers managed to hold on for a while.

1000 King escapes to Ruhuna as the Corrupt exploits the innocent Unable to survive under threat of the South Indian thugs, king Mahinda-5 escaped to Ruhuna through an underground tunnel network. Rest of the country fell into the hands of warmongering South Indian thugs. By this time, Sinhalese civilians had NO Army to protect them. Sinhalese were unable to regroup to resist as many of them had been too religious to train in the art of warfare. The selfish corrupt elements and the provincial warlords continued to exploit the country and the people, while making regular payments to the South Indian thugs.

1000 Buddhist Sri Vijaya Kingdom in Sumatra at their peak Buddhist Kingdom of Sri Vijaya first appeared in 650 AD in the island of Sumatra. After establishing firm control on the Sumatra island, they took the Malay Peninsula. That gave them access to and control over the Strait of Malacca. They dominated the sea trade in South East Asia for 500 years. Sri Vijayan merchants were famous for their busy and lucrative trade between China and India. This helped them become a very powerful Buddhist Malay kingdom. These Merchants even established Buddhist temples on the Coromandel Coast of West India so that they could attend Buddhist temples even when they are on business. They reached their peak in 1000 AD. By that time they controlled large parts of Java and western Borneo. But the Cholas from South India invaded and destroyed their power in 1025 AD. As the Sri Vijaya kingdom was weak, the kingdom of Java- their number one rival, under Airlangga, king of East Java, managed to become independent and strong. As Sri Vijaya kingdom declined, other smaller Java kingdoms conquered them.

1010 The Finest Chola architectural achievement - Brihadisvara temple This Grandest and largest Chola temple was only 216 feet tall, much smaller than tall Lankan buildings. (Lova Maha Paya, Ratana Prasadaya, Jethavanaramaya, Abahayagiriya and Ruwanvelimahaseya were over 300 feet tall. This was built by Chola king RajaRaja, in Tanjore (Tanjavur). This was also called RajaRajeswari temple. It still stand today as a lone reminder to the Chola power.

1015 Danish Vikings conquer England

1016 Rajendra, son of RajaRaja, takes over the vast Chola empire Rajendra is regarded as the greatest of all Chola kings. But when he became king in 1016 AD, he inherited most of the vast empire which his father had conquered. During the next 28 years, until he passed on the crown to his heir Rajadi Raja, he invaded Kerala, Karnataka, and Sri Lanka. He fought the Indian kingdoms as far north as the River Ganges. He will expand the Chola empire even to Hydrabad and Orissa. He will establish Chola colonies in west Bangal after crossing the river Ganges. Cholas boasted, in their typical barbaric style, that their horses and elephants washed their limbs in the holy waters of Ganges. He even sent his Chola forces to Burma and the Malay Peninsula using the Chola Navy ships. That was where they conquered the Buddhist Sri Vijaya Kingdom in Sumatra. That was how the Cholas grabbed the trade between India and China.

1016 Cholas try diplomatic ties with China to grab Lanka's trade Copying from the Lankans, Chola king Rajendra sent ambassadors to China to develop friendly relations and trade.

1018 15th Invasion -The Most Destructive Invasion in Lankan History Chola king Parakesarivarman (Rajendra) heard about the sorry state in Lanka. He decided that it was the time to release the massive invading force to grab Lanka. The Cholas landed in Mannar and destroyed whatever that was left. Like blood-sucking devils, they oppressed the gentle Buddhist people. Even the western historians would condemn them for slaughtering children and molesting women without any remorse. Their barbarity is even mentioned in their own proud writings. They were proud to claim that the cities were burnt, gold was carried off and "women's girdles were loosened". They broke open the sacred relic chambers of Lanka which even the South Indian thugs in Lanka didn't dare to touch.

1018 Largest Amphibious Invasion Force in History hits the Sinhalese Chola army that invaded Lanka had a massive manpower of 150,000 troops. This is a world record. 263 years later, in 1281 AD, Second Largest Amphibious Force ever to land anywhere in history was the Mongol Army that landed in Japan. A massive Mongol army of 140,000 troops secured and held on to several Japanese beachheads for two months. Then the divine wind "Kamikaze" struck again. A typhoon destroyed most of the Mongol fleet. Japanese Samurais and armed Buddhist monks were able to defeat the invaders in the beachheads. Only half of the huge Mongol army returned safely.

1018 Secret Power of the Chola Army In addition to the overwhelming number of troops, there were 60,000 elephants in the Chola elephants Brigade. Also the Navy they had, enabled them to import many types of machines of mass-destruction designed and sold by the East Roman factories. That included battering arms to break fortresses, Machines that shoot multi-arrows, Mechanical slings that propelled stones, engines that boil and spray boiling oil, boiling copper, boiling steel, and machines that produced poison gas. Adding to this, was the secret spies in Lanka who were well-paid by the Cholas. All these were far more than what the Singhalese, who had been betrayed by the multi-culturism, could match. Cholas knew that they could not beat the Sinhalese patriotic fighters without all these heavy fire and manpower.

1018 Lankan Army was NOT prepared for this The regime in Lanka at this time was corrupt and selfish. Their main concern was to increase their personal wealth and the power. They had just started to raise an armed force as the Lankan military power had been destroyed in the last rebellion. These disheartened, semi-trained, ill-equipped Lankan soldiers were leaderless. Northern Warlords made pacts with the invaders whom they had always considered as their cousins from South India. Only the Sinhalese patriots dared to fight the invader. They had no idea of what they were running against. Poor Lankan army ( as almost all South Indians in the Lankan Army regiments would join the invaders as usual) had no chance. The real Lankan patriots were regrouping in Ruhuna under the leadership of the last king Mahinda-5 ( son of good king Mahinda-4). But they were planning to liberate Anuradapura from the evil clutches of the selfish corrupt elements. They didn't have resources to face the Chola power.

1018 World's Largest Image House is destroyed forever by Cholas Among the grand buildings destroyed forever was the grand Image house of the Jethavanaramaya university which was said to be the largest ever. The entrance door alone was 27 feet high. Inside the building, there were valuable Golden Buddha statues which were taller than 37 feet. These statues were placed on lotus pedestals which were made of limestone. Interior ceiling was over 60 feet high. On the western side of the building were the living quarters of the monks. That was burnt down with the monks inside. All golden Budda statues were carted away to the Chola kingdom.

1018 4th destruction of Lovamahapaya- End of LovaMahaPaya forever- Cholas destroy the foundation so that it cannot be repaired This time the Cholas destroyed the Greatest Achievement of the Lankans FOREVER. Previously Lova Maha Paya had been destroyed and restored four times. Hundreds of Sinhala kings had worked hard doing these expensive repairs. Cholas learnt from their agents in Lanka that the Sinhalese had rebuilt it each four times that it was destroyed. Therefore, Cholas very maliciously destroyed the foundation so that anymore repairs were impossible. 150 years later, Great Parakramabahu will make one final attempt to rebuild this. He managed to repair only the 1600 pillars which we see today.

1018 End of Anuradapura : World's Oldest Continuous Capital City Even the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjavur, the Greatest & the largest Chola temple was only 216 feet in height. Next one, GangaiKonda Choleswarer Temple in Cholapuram was only 185 feet in height. They come nowhere close to Sinhalese Temples. At least two-dozen Sinhalese Buddhist temples were taller than 200 feet. The jealous Cholas this time finished Anuradapura forever using the firepower of their heavy weapons. Cholas obviously didn't like the City of Grand Buddhist monuments, which gave them inferiority complexes. At the end the grand city looked like as if it had been plundered by the demons. That was the end of one of the Greatest cities South Asia ever saw in it's history. Anuradapura is the World's oldest continuous Capital City at the time. 1400 year old City of Anuradapura is also one of the most stable cities in human history.

1018 Public Infrastructure around Anuradapura crumbles As Buddhist population fled to Ruhuna, the barbarian Cholas plundered the great wealth, and the majestic monuments painstakingly built over 1400 years by the passionate Sinhalese. Nature took over where man ceased to labour. Jungle began to grow and the elephants began to roam. Damaged Grand monuments began to crumble. Lakes went dry due to neglect. Vast plains of paddy lands turned in to muddy lands. Epidemics like malaria began to spread.

1018 Cholas choose to rule from Polonnaruwa : Chola culture and Saiva religion engulfed the land of Lanka Polonnaruwa was already a developed major city. It was a strategic gateway to Ruhuna. Since the city of Anuradapura was ruined, the Chola king Rajarajan decided to rule from Polonnaruwa. He obviously didn't want to live among Buddhist monuments. Therefore, in Polonnaruwa he tried to copy from the Sinhalese to build South Indian monuments. He built, in memory of his mother Vanavan Mahadevi, the Siva Devalaya for Vanavan Mahadevi Isvaramudaiyar. With Rajarajan, the Chola culture and Saiva religion engulfed the land of Lanka.

1018 A Foreign Army enters Ruhuna for the first time These Chola invaders were the Most powerful invading force ever to arrive on Lankan soil. The well-paid Chola agents in Lanka informed the invader that the Sinhalese patriots were regrouping under the last king Mahinda-5 ( Younger son of last great king Mahinda-4) in Ruhuna. Fearless Cholas dared to enter Ruhuna. That was the first time an invader entered the Ruhuna. Sinhalese patriots couldn't resist the superior Chola military power. They mainly studied the Cholas, their weapons, and their tactics. For the first time in history, an invader managed to sweep through Ruhuna.

1018 Cholas destroy the relic of Budda's robe forever The Cholas looted all Royal valuables, jewels, the diadem, a priceless diamond bracelet, and the unbreakable Royal sword. But the saddest loss was the relic of the Buddha's robe- which vanished in the history thereafter. Relic of the Buddha's Robe was one of the three relics handed over to Sri Lanka by the North Indian Emperor Asoka. Thus, Sri Lanka and the Buddhism lost one of the three most important relics forever. By the year 2002, Sri Lanka has only one of those relics, the Tooth relic. The Barbarian invaders who, unlike Sinhalese Buddhists, had no respect for another culture or a religion would destroy the other two.

1018 Cholas invite the Lankan King for Peacetalks, and then take him prisoner when he arrived....! Cholas knew that the last king, Mahinda-5 ( Younger son of the Last Good King Mahinda-4) was hiding in Ruhuna. Cholas had failed to locate him Ruhuna. Then Cholas offered to talk peace. Fortunately the King and the Queen left for peacetalks leaving their infant son Kassapa behind. When Mahinda-5 arrived for the peacetalks, Cholas captured him. Lankans learnt for the first time that Peacetalks was just another tactic to capture the King. He had been fooled in a mock treaty. Unfortunately, Sinhalese would continue to trust the foreigners simply because they act decent. This trust of the cunning foreigners who put up an act of well behaviour, would be one of the major reasons for the downfall of the Sinhalese civilisation.

1018 Ruhunu People hide King's infant son As the Cholas grabbed the King and the Queen, Lankans were shocked. Never in their history the Sinhalese had experienced anyone using peacetalks as a tactic in war. Ruhunu people quickly moved the infant son to a secret location where he would grow up learning the traditional statecraft and the art of warfare.

1018 Fate of the King Mahinda-5 & His Queen Along with the King, they captured the queen (who was taken away to South India for the Chola nobles ). The King was sent to Chola as a prisoner and died there after 12 years of captivity. He was the Last king to rule Anuradapura and the First Lankan king to be taken captive to a foreign country.

1018 Cholas try to copy Singhalese by building monuments. Many actions of the Cholas show that they felt jealous and had an inferiority complex to see the Singhalese cities. The grand infrastructure in Lanka was a constant reminder that the Sinhalese had mastered the sciences, art & technology while the Cholas had only mastered the art of deceit and fighting. Cholas tried to build similar buildings in Chola capital. Yet, even the Brihadisvara temple in Tanjore, (also named Raja Rajeswari temple), was shorter than many Lankan buildings. Since there was no one to destroy it, this finest Chola architectural achievement still stand today as a lone reminder to the Chola power.

1025 Well-paid Chola agents discovers the plans of liberation People had hidden Kassapa, the infant son of the last king, in Ruhuna. When he was 12 years old, the Chola intelligence services operating in multi-cultural Lanka employing well-paid Sri Lankans, including both Singhalese and South Indians in Lankas, warned the Chola king about the patriots in Ruhuna. They warned that a liberation attempt was being organised under the leadership of a minister named Budda who had survived the massacre in Anuradapura. Such treacherous Lankans, who continued to live in Lanka like leeches hanging on to a rich source of blood, live even today. They enjoy the benefits when the patriots developed the country. They also enjoy the benefits even when an enemy rules Lanka. For these unpatriotic elements, there is nothing more valuable than the wealth.

1025 A Corrupt Buddhism in Lanka Many good Buddhist monks had perished under the invaders rule. At the same time the Lankan collaborators had created corrupt Buddhist monks and temples which helped them to cover up their malpractices from the public.

1025 Patriotic Struggle Begins- Battle of Paluttagiri, Tissamaharamaya: Cholas run away from Ruhuna as Sinhalese fight back When Kassapa, the infant son of the last king Mahinda-5, was 12 years old, the minister named Budda decided to launch attacks on the enemy. That was a brave decision. They were probably driven by the urgency of the situation as the Chola barbarians were harassing the Ruhuna civilians daily. He and young Kassapa planned the tactics. He led his small guerrilla army against the well-equipped, experienced Chola army stationed in Paluttagiri. In this Battle of Palutthagiri, 8 miles east of Tissamaharamaya, many Chola troops got killed. The rest of the enemy ran back to the fortress in Polonnaruwa. Cholas realised the ferocity of the Sinhala warriors. They requested reinforcements from Chola kingdom to wipe out the liberation army in Ruhuna.

1025 16th invasion- A new Chola Army lands in Lanka to wipe out the Sinhala Liberation Fighters Chola kingdom despatched a new army of 100,000 Chola troops to Lanka. With the 150,000 Chola troops who were already in Lanka, the total Chola strength that was deployed to take Lanka was now 250,000. With so many unfortunate, and unemployed South Indians around them, it wasn't hard for the warlords in South India to recruit mercenaries. Then they trained them to cause death and destruction. ( Meanwhile in Lanka, Kings under the good Theravada advice, had developed his people for prosperity and creativity, not for causing death and destruction.) class="normal">1025 16th invasion-Why would they send 250,000 Chola troops ? This Chola force of 250,000 troops was by far one of the largest invasion forces ever deployed in the history of mankind. The largest invasion force Sri Lanka had faced before this attack, was around 100,000. This 250,000 was a mammoth figure, considering the size of the military forces of the times. This was in addition to the number of Sinhala and Tamil collaborators who were well-paid for their shameless work. The fact that the enemy had to use all these huge numbers proved nothing but the strong will power of the Sinhalese warriors in the Ruhuna jungles.

1025 Tamils in the Far East : Chola king Rajendra invades the far east Helped by his naval power unmatched by anyone in the far east, Chola king Rajendra invaded Sumatra, Malaya, and Nicobar islands. He wanted to get the monopoly of the spice trade between India and the far east. It was these Chola invaded who initiated the South Indian community in Singapore and Malaysia region.

1025 Cholas ends the Buddhist Sri Vijaya Kingdom in Sumatra Buddhist Kingdom of Sri Vijaya first appeared in 650 AD in the island of Sumatra. After establishing firm control on the Sumatra island, they took the Malay Peninsula. That gave them access to and control over the Strait of Malacca. They dominated the sea trade in South East Asia for 500 years. Sri Vijayan merchants were famous for their busy and lucrative trade between China and India. This helped them become a very powerful Buddhist Malay kingdom. These Merchants even established Buddhist temples on the Coromandel Coast of West India so that they could attend Buddhist temples even when they are on business. They reached their peak in 1000 AD. By that time they controlled large parts of Java and western Borneo. But the Cholas from South India invaded and destroyed their power in 1025 AD. As the Sri Vijaya kingdom was weak, the kingdom of Java- their number one rival, under Airlangga, king of East Java, managed to become independent and strong. As Sri Vijaya kingdom declined, other smaller Java kingdoms conquered them.

1035 Difference between the true nobility and the low-class people pretending to be the nobility : "What ceremony until the country is united ? " - Prince Kassapa refuses to become the king Prince Kassapa, the infant son of the last king who was hidden in Ruhuna by the people, has by this time grown up. He and the minister Budda were the two leaders of the liberation movement. The people of Ruhuna requested him to be the king. He turned down such invitations to become the king by consecration. "What ceremony until the country is united ?" He asked. This is the difference between the true nobility and the low-class people who pretend to be the nobility after taking advantage of the opportunities to come up in life. While most of the true Sinhala elite perished while fighting the invaders, members of the low class took the opportunity to collaborate with the invader and become the new social elite.

1035 Mahalanakitti becomes King of Free Lanka As Kassapa refused to be the king until the country is united, the people of Ruhuna invited another good leader to be the king of Free Lanka. Mahalanakitti became the true king of Lanka in the Ruhuna, and continued to develop the region. The Lankan Army led by Kassapa and Buddha was placed under his command. His efforts in improving the agriculture and the economy, further helped the patriotic movement.

1035 Kasspa's warriors are expected to fight three enemies single-handedly Prince Kassapa went on training 100,000 mainly Sinhalese young men who were capable of fighting the Cholas. Because of the huge number of enemies in Lanka, each one of these warriors were expected to fight at least three Chola and South Indian thugs in Lanka, single-handedly. It was a daunting task. Many considered that to be impossible.

1040 Kassapa dies of sickness- Liberation movement loses the great leader Before he could take on the invaders, Kassapa ( the only son of last king Mahinda-5), died of ill-health. All the relentless hard work in the jungles, without proper food or rest, had weakened him. But through his hard work, he had laid the solid foundation the liberation movement needed. He had formed the necessary base and the social infrastructure needed for the liberation. From this solid foundation, more true warriors emerged one after another to lead the liberation.

1043 Cholas invade Ruhuna Taking advantage of the situation, Cholas threw in their overwhelming manpower and heavy firepower to invade Ruhuna. Liberation movement fought hard. But they were not a match for the heavy weapons of mass-destruction used by the Cholas. The well-paid Sinhala and South Indians living in Lanka, who made a living as informants, continued to update Cholas about the precise information on the patriotic fighters.

1043 Reinforced Cholas enter and OCCUPY Ruhuna For the First Time in History The Cholas won the biggest and the LAST battle by killing almost all Sinhala warriors, to enter Ruhuna. Powerful Cholas entered Ruhuna like Blood sucking devils, killing men, and children and monks alike and molesting women. Sinhalese who had migrated to Ruhuna from the north, now had nowhere else to run. Cholas robbed villages in Ruhuna and sent valuables to Chola kingdom.

1043 Most Patriotic City in Lankan History ( Mahagama ) is destroyed forever In 246 BC, Mahanaga, King Devanampiyatissa's brother, was a firm believer of the golden National philosophy. Fearing assassination in Anuradapura where suddenly the selfish and the corrupt became influential, he had moved to Ruhuna. He developed the Ruhuna kingdom under the central government of Anuradapura. He developed the provincial town Mahagama as the capital of Ruhuna sub-kingdom. This sub-kingdom would be, in the years to come, the birth place of almost all liberation attempts. Therefore this patriotic large city will be completely destroyed by the Chola invaders during the 15th invasion. They razed all the buildings to the ground and smashed them into tiny pieces to give a very clear message to the people of Ruhuna. Invaders and the collaborators, during their selfish rule, prohibited this city to be rebuilt or to be rehabited, to stop any further liberation attempts. Today this legendary city, the most patriotic city in Lankan history, lays covered in jungle, about 20 kilometers north of Tissamaharamaya, forgotten even by the Sinhalese.

1043 "What is a king who couldn't protect his land and the people, It is only over the lifeless body of such a king they can molest his people and the land" After losing the LAST battle, Mahalanakitti, king of the free Lanka in Ruhuna, committed suicide with honour and dignity. He was ashamed of himself for he couldn't protect his people and the land, against the evil. Such were the standards and the duty of the Sinhalese elite. If they take the leadership and the responsibility, they are expected to protect the land and the people. If they fail in their responsibility, they pay the price with their lives, with honour and dignity for they are ashamed. This is in direct contrast to the social elite and the so-called leaders of today who pretend to be leaders and cover up their incapability with excuses.

1044 Sinhala Patriotic Movement moves to Kalutara Vikkamabandu, The only son of the king Mahalanakitti who committed suicide in shame, fled from Ruhuna with the last of the surviving Sinhala warriors, to hide in Kalutara. He ruled unofficially from Kalutara.

1044 17th invasion- A North Indian migrant gang captures Kalutara Jagatipala, a prince from Ayodhya in India, arrived in southern Lanka with his small private army. They challenged the Sinhala fighters. In the ensuing fight, they murdered the Sinhala king Vikkamabandu in Kalutara and tried to rule the south. When the Cholas came to Kalutara looking for the Sinhala patriotic fighters, it was these North Indians who faced the Chola army. Sinhala patriotic fighters survived in the hills.

1044 RajadhiRaja takes over the Chola empire from Rajendra RajadhiRaja, the new Chola king had the difficult task of maintaining the large empire. It was easy to divert all resources into war and to buy weapons of mass destruction and ruin other hard working civilisations. But it wasn't an easy task to maintain a proper system. Destruction had been easy. Continuation was not. Both the Sera and the Pandyan kingdoms in South India rebelled against the Chola rule. RajadhiRaja crushed them in typical brutal fashion.

1044 Cholas are troubled by the Chalukyas A small kingdom in the South Western India, named Chalukya Kingdom, slowly began to offer resistance with success. They avoided the conventional warfare where Cholas were experts of, and challenged the Cholas only in guerrilla warfare. They became the biggest headache for RajadhiRaja. As time goes by these Chalukyas and the Sinhalese in Lanka would be his two biggest nightmares. In fact, in another 6 years, his end would come from the Chalukyas who will kill him in combat. Cholas would massacre and finish the Chalukyas. But they will fail to destroy the Sinhalese.

1048 In Korea, Tripitikaya is carved out on wood Korea was at this time a Buddhist country. Buddhist Koreans began to write the Tripitakaya on wooden blocks. The writings were carved out on woodblocks. The process began in 1048 AD and continued for over 200 years. Unfortunately the invading Mongols burnt and destroyed this valuable work of art.

1048 Cholas massacre the North Indians in Kalutara Cholas who came to Kalutara looking for the patriots, killed Jagatipala, the North Indian gang leader, in battle. As usual, Cholas sent his wife and one daughter to the Chola Kingdom.

1048 One of the daughters escapes to join the liberation movement The other daughter of Jagatipala, managed to escape. She went to the hills looking for the Sinhalese patriots. There she joined the Sinhala liberation movement in the hills. She mastered the art of fighting and warfare. In the years to come, she would be a legend. She would be the inspiration behind the Great liberation leader, "Kitti", who was yet to appear. She would become the nation's Queen after the liberation.

1048 Cholas kill the new Sinhala king As soon as Parakarama, the son of Vikkamabandu, became the new Sinhala king, the Cholas used secret agents to assassinate him too. It is obvious that there were enough traitors, who lived among the Lankans, to do such unpatriotic deeds. He didn't have any children. Cholas thought that this would be the end of the liberation campaign to free Lanka.

1048 Kataragama becomes the Free Capital as Patriots emerge from everywhere The moment everyone was waiting for, arrived. A surviving Sinhala army officer, whose name is not known today, made Kataragama the new capital of the liberation movement. This showed that the patriotism didn't rely on one or two princes. Sinhala patriots were everywhere. When one was murdered, another emerged to lead the struggle.

1049 Cholas attack Kataragama The well-paid collaborators who were living in the Lankan society, informed the Cholas about the latest developments. Cholas who thought that they had ended the liberation movement in Kalutara, were again frustrated to hear this. They decided to attack Kataragama, the new capital of the free Lanka. The unknown Sinhala army officer, who was obviously a veteran who knew how the enemy operated, expected the Chola attack on Kataragama. He was a clever veteran who knew Chola tactics and the strategy.

1049 Battle of Kataragama : Cholas fail In a major embarrassment The unknown Sinhala army officer had developed tactics to avoid the Chola firepower. Chola army who came to attack Kataragama, was beaten back by the Sinhala army led by this officer. This was a major embarrassment for the invader. This added further frustrations to the Cholas.

1049 Coming of teenage prince Kitti : …….Though he came from a poor class, he proved his nobility by his actions and thoughts……. A 13 year old teenager who lived with his father became famous in his village for his patriotism. A Sinhala political leader named Budalna ( Buddhanatha), went to see him. He decided that this teenager was the ultimate leader that they had been waiting for. He was groomed by the leaders of the liberation movement in the statecraft and the art of war. He developed into a noble prince, famous for wisdom, insight and courage. By his actions and thought he proved that he was truly related to the Great Sinhalese Dynasties. He was the one who prepared the society for the final liberation. He was the one who trained and converted the liberation force in to a conventional fighting force capable of taking on any invader. He was the one who found the secrets of facing the Cholas in direct face to face fight. He was the one who chased the Cholas and the collaborators, all the way to Polonnaruwa. You all know him today, as the "Great Vijayabahu".

1052 Chola king Rajadiraja is killed in action Chola king Rajadiraja was killed in the battle of Koppam, between the legendary Chalukyas of the west coast and the invading Chola forces.

1052 Rajendra-2 becomes king After the death of RajadiRaja, Rajendra-2 became the king of the Chola kingdom.

1054 Eastern Church breaks away from the Roman Catholic church

1055 Chola kingdom is hit by a famine Liberation movement in Lanka would take full advantage. They intensified their campaign against the Chola invaders.

1055 16 year old Prince Kitti declares Kataragama as the Free Lankan Capital 16 year old Prince Kitti was by this time the undisputed leader of the patriotic movement. He began to rule from Kataragama as King Vijayabahu. Again the well-established Chola intelligence services who used both Sinhala collaborators and South Indians living in Lanka, informed these details to the Chola rulers. Cholas decided to finish him off for good.

1064 Vira Rajendra replaces Rajendra-2 Around this time, Vira Rajendra replaced Rajendra-2 as the Chola king. Under his leadership, Cholas will finally win their war against the Chalukyas.

1064 Vira Rajendra personally orders Vijayabahu to be killed The precise intelligence passed on by the Lankan collaborators was enough to convince the Cholas of the danger they were facing. Chola king ViraRajendra personally ordered Chola General in charge of Polonnaruwa to destroy Vijayabahu at any cost.

1064 Alarmed Cholas ransack Ruhuna looking for Vijayabahu He diverted the total Chola military power in Lanka on Ruhuna. Vijayabahu was unable to face the powerful Chola army. As the Cholas raided all key strong points of the patriotic movement, Vijayabahu withdrew to the jungle for Guerrilla warfare. The well-paid Lankan spies had again guided the Cholas very well.

1064 Battle of Kudal Sangam, South India : Cholas conquer Chalukyas In the battle of Kudal Sangam, Chola army led by ViraRajendra destroyed the military power of the Chalukyas. Cholas were so brutal in crushing the Chalukya resistance that they tortured and slaughtered even the sick and the dying. This act of brutality forced the last of the seasoned veteran Chalukya troops to flee the battlefield in horror.

1064 Chola Brutality : Torture of the Chalukya Leaders To scare the rest of the Chalukya people, ViraRajendra cut off the head of the Chalukya leader. He took all valuables of the Chalukya king. His beautiful daughter was one of the most beautiful maidens in India at the time. ViraRajendra took his queen and this beautiful daughter and tortured them. He cut the nose of the beautiful daughter to see how ugly she looked without the nose.

1064 Chola tactics to stop Chalukya uprisings In order to neutralise any future Chalukyas resistance, Chola King found a collaborating Chalukya prince to marry his daughter. Thereafter, no invasions were necessary to rule the Chalukya kingdom.

1064 Sinhalese become the Only Headache to the Cholas After crushing the Chalukyas, Sinhalese patriots in Lanka became the only headache for the Cholas.

1064 Collaborators were worse than the Cholas By this time, there were a lot of collaborators in Lanka who were dependant on the Chola rule for their jobs and the income. They were worse than the Chola invaders. They were scared of losing their privileged jobs and positions. These unpatriotic elements were more scared of a Chola defeat than the Cholas themselves. They conducted propaganda campaigns emphasising the advantage of the Chola rule. Vijayabahu had to fight the propaganda campaigns organised by these collaborators. Lankans were getting confused and misled by their propaganda. Vijayabahu needed money to conduct propaganda.

1064 Vijayabahu gets financial help from Burma Vijayabahu knew that the Cholas could concentrate all their resources towards destroying the patriots. He needed money to buy more equipment and to conduct publicity campaigns. He asked for help from Anawratha, King of Burma. He responded to Vijayabahu's messages sending many secret ships full of valuables. Vijayabahu used them to launch the social strategies and to equip the army.

1065 Rajarata Civil Unrest: Vijayabahu uses unconventional tactics In his new social strategy, Vijayabahu managed to create a civil unrest in Rajarata. Rajarata people refused to pay taxes to Cholas. Chola king sent their powerful army units to collect taxes by force.

1065 Vijayabahu uses unconventional tactics : Rajarata Civil Unrest will open the eyes of the selfish business community The New Chola soldiers harassed people, including the collaborators, as usual. For the first time, the collaborators experienced the Chola cruelty. This worked to Vijayabahu's advantage. Only then many in the selfish merchant community and the collaborating class of Lankans, expressed their willingness for liberation. They decided that good Buddhist religious rule that upheld justice and fairness, was afterall very much better than the selfish rule driven by the hunger for power.

1065 Vijayabahu raises South Indian Regiments Another solid proof of the multi-culturism practised by the Sinhalese even in their darkest hours, came during these times. Even some good South Indians living in Lanka started to support Vijayabahu. Then he started to create separate fighting regiments for these South Indians. Here he did a grave mistake. Instead of allocating the South Indian soldiers among many regiments, he kept them together thinking they would be happier in eachother's company. Later, this allowed the corrupt South Indians in Lanka to use the whole regiment for their conspiracies by buying the South Indian General in charge of the regiment. These regiments comprising of the South Indians would end up becoming a powerful tool in the hands of the extremists in Lanka who bought them as mercenaries for their selfish political work.

1066 Battle of Hastings : Vikings take England from the Saxons Battle of Hastings is regarded as one of the most important battles in western history. In this battle, the Vikings took Britain from the Saxons. William, Duke of Normandy in France, was a regional governor under the king of France. He decided to add England to his Normandy region. ( At this time, the Saxons who chased the true Britons to the Welsh, were ruling England ). William and his army from Normandy landed in England claiming the English crown. On 14th October, the Saxon army led by their king Harold II met them near Hastings. During the battle, King Harold was killed in action and the Normans won. William was then came to be known as "The Conqueror". He became the King of England as William I.

1066 England reach the European standards As William became the King of England, a Viking migration from Normandy to England, took place. King William sponsored the Viking colonisation projects. French-speaking Normans became the new ruling class in England. William granted them the land. In order to keep them loyal, he very cleverly kept them dependant on his rule. This systematic European culture and the politics, helped England reach the standards in other European states.

1066 Cholas sabotage Vijayabahu's South Indian Regiments Chola intelligence services learnt of the Vijayabahu's South Indian regiments. It wasn't difficult for them to infiltrate the ranks in those regiments and also to lobby the Generals who commanded those regiments. Cholas successfully used their well-paid agents to destabilize Vijayabahu's army. They warned Vijayabahu's South Indian troops of the consequences of working against their South Indian brothers. Chola agents approached the two Generals in charge of Vijayabahu's South Indian regiments.

1066 South Indian troops betray Vijayabahu The Chola agents forced the two Generals who were in charge of the two South Indian regiments to defect to the Cholas with their troops and Vijayabahu's military plans. A surprised Vijayabahu had to pause his campaigns. He had to re-design new tactics and strategies.

1067 Vijayabahu begins War : Battle of Palutta mountain Vijayabahu completed training for his army of brave boys. He decided that it was time to begin face-to-face war. Vijayabahu placed his army on the mountain and sent information to Cholas through a double agent. Jubilant Cholas surrounded the mountain hoping to kill the Sinhala leader and to massacre the liberation army. In a series of classic tactical moves, Vijayabahu’s brave well-trained boys annihilated the Chola army. Shocked by how his force was massacred by a "peasant" army, a coward Chola General who knew only to harass the weaker fled the battlefield leaving his own troops. When he fled, most of the Chola army followed him.

1067 Battle of Kegalle : Chola force is annihilated to the last man. Some Sinhala warriors gave chase to the fleeing Chola force. They managed to block the enemy at Kegalle. During the battle, the cunning Chola General surrendered. In a direct change of Sinhala Buddhist philosophy, Vijayabahu's lieutenant beheaded the Chola General. ( All this time Sinhalese were famous for forgiving even the most barbaric enemies. Many enemies had taken advantage of this Buddhist quality ). Hardly any survivors from the Battle of Palutta mountain, reached the Chola forts that week.

1068 Worthiness of the Queen of the Nation The other daughter of the North Indian warlord Jagatipala had become a prominent leader of the patriotic movement. She had learnt the skills of fighting. She had many reasons to fight the Cholas. The Cholas had killed her father. Her mother and the sister had been taken as slaves to the Chola kingdom. In these battles, she fought the Cholas like a man. Fighting like a real warrior, she proved her worthiness to be the Nation's bravest woman. She had become Vijayabahu's girlfriend by this time. She will become the Nation's undisputed Queen after the liberation. She is a classic example of the high standards expected from the Nation's leaders. To earn the respect of the Sinhalese as their leader, one has to be worthy of the leadership by their deeds and thoughts.

1068 First Battle for Polonnaruwa : Vijayabahu withdraws against Chola Firepower, with heavy casualties. Encouraged by the excited public, Vijayabahu was eager to march to Polonnaruwa. But his rush taught him a lesson. His enemy was the most powerful South Indian military force ever assembled in a colony. They had the latest weapons of mass destruction. He was bombarded by the heavy Chola firepower. Also, thanks to the well-paid traitors, Cholas knew the directions from which he would deploy his army units. Many of his brave boys got killed while trying to advance under accurate relentless firepower. He had to withdraw after suffering heavy losses.

1069 "Enemy is spending more than us. Just keep him spending" -Retreating Vijayabahu holds Kegalle for 3 months Cholas decided to chase Vijayabahu and finish him before he escaped to Ruhuna. Retreating Vijayabahu stopped at Kegalle to quickly build fortifications. He managed to strengthen the new defences to withstand the Chola firepower just in time. Cholas who followed him, attacked these defences for over three months. As his defences slowly and gradually collapsed, Vijayabahu held on. His theory was "Enemy is spending more than us. Just keep him spending. One day they will have nothing while we have enough to go on....". That was exactly what happened later.

1069 Confusing the well-paid Spies Vijayabahu realised that it was very hard to liberate the country with so many traitors living around him in the multi-cultural Lanka. He realised that he had to make his moves while fooling these well-paid and well-looked after sympathisers, agents and spies. To confuse them, he acted as if he was suddenly leaving Kegalle for Ruhuna for re-training and rebuilding the army. Vijayabahu handpicked the best and the most trusted patriots and formed them into two special army units. This looked like Vijayabahu was disbanding his shattered army. The collaborators quickly informed the Cholas of the new development.

1069 Vijayabahu strikes in secret : Spies fail to alert the Cholas Then Vijayabahu suddenly sent these two Special Army units to strike Polonnaruwa and Anuradapura simultaneously. Cholas and their collaborators in Lanka, who thought that Vijayabahu was withdrawing to Ruhuna, were taken by surprised.

1069 Vijayabahu's Strategy Cholas didn't have enough resources or the time to fight two separate battles with equally distributed firepower. Chola heavy weapons in Polonnaruwa were tied down to defend Polonnaruwa. Cholas couldn't divert these heavy weapons to other areas to help the surrounded Chola troops. Chola troops who have had their fun in destroying the people of Lanka, could not match, man to man, to Vijayabahu's fresh, well motivated and very religious Sinhala boys. Vijayabahu's boys were full of patriotism. They had been very well trained in all aspects of warfare. They could fight without food or water for days and days.

1069 Cholas lose all except Polonnaruwa The barbaric, uncivilized Chola soldiers lost all the battles to the sacred warriors of Lanka. Those who attacked Polonnaruwa managed to keep the heavy weapons and the cream of the Chola army tied down in Polonnaruwa. Finally the Cholas had only the Fort of Polonnaruwa left in Sri Lanka.

1070 Turks take Jerusalem and convert to Islam In 1070 AD, the Turks conquered Jerusalem and Damascus. The Christian Holy Land was then in their hands. For the first time the Turks encountered the Islam religion in this region. Like the way the well-organised Christian Church had impressed the European Barbarians who didn't have a strong religion, the strength of Islam impressed the Turks. The Christians in the region failed to convert the Turks to Christianity. The Pope, who had been quick to convert European conquerors to Christianity, was too late in taking action to convert the Turks.

1070 Islamic Turks prohibit Christian pilgrims into Jerusalem Arab Muslims had so far allowed the Christian pilgrims to visit the Holy Land. The new Islamic Turks ended this policy. Within 25 years, the Pope would ask the European Christians to wage war to liberate Jerusalem. That became known as the Crusades. The Middle East, apart from what they had invented, had acquired the Chinese Knowledge and inventions. These Crusades opened up the wealth of the human progress gathered by the Muslim world, to Europe. All this new knowledge ended up in Europe after the Crusades. That inspired the more greedy Europeans to explore the unknown world for more wealth.

1070 Cost of war forces New Chola king Kulottunga towards peace As Vijayabahu predicted, Chola kingdom was becoming poor after years of expensive warfare. Constant liberation struggles, specially the one in Sri Lanka, had drained the resources of the Cholas. Both Pandyans and the Sera kingdoms also revolted for independence. New Chola king Kulottunga wanted to avoid unnecessary wars. His people were becoming upset as the cost of war began to affect their life style. After this king Kulottunga, the Chola power will diminish.

1070 Chola king Kulottunga proposes a Peacepact to Vijayabahu Chola king Kulottunga proposed a peacepact to Vijayabahu. Vijayabahu asked for nothing but absolute freedom for his country and people, and the treasures looted, and compensation to rebuild the glorious civilisation which was destroyed by the Cholas. Cholas couldn't pay them. They themselves were becoming poor. The history records many such destroyers in history who did nothing but destruction. Such communities who were led by power-hungry warmongers only made others weaker before they themselves enjoyed the loot and vanished. They had only caused pain, suffering and destruction on other hardworking people on this planet. That was why the Sinhalese can still proudly boast a glorious civilisation while these Barbarians has to depend on well-funded propaganda to create and show a glory on their part.

1070 Collaborators change sides in Lanka As Vijayabahu was preparing for the final battle on Polonnaruwa, it was clear that the end of Chola rule in Lanka was imminent. The good old collaborators in Lanka who had enjoyed many privileges and benefits under their Chola masters, then changed sides. In a classic example the two South Indian Generals who had betrayed Vijayabahu by joining the Cholas earlier, then came back to join Vijayabahu in the final battle. They wanted to know if they could be part of the Sinhala Army. Vijayabahu accepted them by forgiving them and absorbing them into the multi-cultural country the Sinhalese had always maintained. ( But they will again be caught spying for South India and will rebel on behalf of South Indian Brothers against Lanka ).

1070 Final Battle for Polonnaruwa : Vijayabahu ends 52 years of Chola rule Vijayabahu then decided to finish the 52 year old Chola rule in Lanka. He assaulted the fort city of Polonnaruwa for over one month. Cholas and their collaborators were massacred in this battle for Polonnaruwa.

1070 Cholas decide never to invade Lanka again "Lanka has no more valuables for us anyway" Hearing about the last battle for Polonnaruwa, Chola king decided never to send troops to Lanka again. He decided that it was not worthwhile as Lanka had no more wealth for an invader to loot. He was correct. From here onwards, it would be a constant struggle for the patriotic Sinhalese to develop the country amidst the disturbances caused by selfish traitors left behind and created by the invaders such as the Cholas.

1071 Heroes take over the Security of the Nation Vijayabahu immediately appointed proven heroic warriors in his army as Security Ministers all around the coastline and inland. They were to maintain surveillance on any enemy activity in their areas. Many collaborators in Lanka were passing valuable information to South Indian Kings. South Indian Warlords were sending military equipment to selfish corrupt Lankans to topple the Government.

1071 With Public Support, Vijayabahu wins over the rebels Fortunately the public and many wise intellectuals stood against the corrupt conspirators. Non-Buddhists living in Lanka who were not living on corruption and malpractices, also supported Vijayabahu. With public support, Vijayabahu managed to kill all of the rebels in battle.

1073 Diplomatic relationship with Sinhapura in India & a new migration Vijayabahu renewed the traditional relationship with Sinhapura in North India ( Near Punjab) where the legend of Singhe people was born 1500 years ago. More migrants arrived with new wealth and knowledge from Sinhapura to rebuild and develop Lanka. They had a challenging task in front of them.

1073 Polonnaruwa becomes a strong fortress In order to face any future enemy invasions, Polonnaruwa was rebuilt as a strong fortress city. High parapet walls protected by broad and deep trenches around them, were built.

1073 Traitors continue supplying information to South Indian Kings Unfortunately all these excellent defence plans in Lanka continued to end up in South Indian King's hands. That proved the extent to which the traitors had been allowed to infiltrate the system in Lanka.

1073 Corrupt Buddhism in Lanka Many good Buddhist monks had perished during the invaders rule. At the same time the collaborators had created corrupt Buddhist monks and temples which helped them to cover up their malpractices.

1073 Burma helps Lanka to clean up Corrupt monks & to revive Pure Buddhism Vijayabahu requested help from Burma to clean up this corrupt shameful Buddhism in Lanka. He had to disrobe corrupt Buddhist monks and to restore the pious Theravada Buddhism. He invited Burmese Monks who were well versed in three pitakayas to revive pure Buddhism in Lanka.

1073 Christian Church launches a Campaign of Pope's Power During the period when the Pope became powerful than kings in Europe, Pope Gregory VII reformed the Christian church. His missionaries began to constantly visit all areas in Europe to enforce the power of the Pope. The results of this campaign became evident in just 3 years as the whole Europe realised that the Pope was more powerful than the Kings.

1076 Islamic power spread to Africa Berbers of the western Sahara, also known as the Almoravids went on a military campaign to expand. They even invaded the Muslim Spain. Then they invaded the wealthy Ghana kingdom. In 1076 AD, they managed to capture the capital city of Ghana Kingdom. Then these Muslim Berbers moved into the sub-Saharan Africa, taking many African kingdoms like Nubia. Soon mosques appeared deep in Africa. Berbers were later driven out. Ghana kingdom would never recover as they were permanently weakened.

1076 Popes become more powerful than European kings Around this time the Pope became the Most influential Man in Europe. Even the French King, the most powerful king of Europe, was humbled by the power of the Pope.

1077 Showdown between the Pope & the Holy Roman Emperor In 1076 AD, the "Holy Roman emperor", Henry IV became very angry with the Pope. He decided to challenge the power of the Pope. He declared his anger against the Pope and severed all ties he had with the Pope. As the Christian public and the Christian social elite began to protest, he realised that the power of the Pope was a reality. In order to remain as the emperor, he had to personally visit and apologise to the Pope. "Holy Roman Emperor" Henry IV had to go to the Pope Gregory's quarters in Canossa, Italy. He had to dress in a penitent's rags and kneel in the snow and beg for forgiveness. This established the fact that no one in Europe was more powerful than the Pope.

1085 Chola king tries marriage proposal tactic : Vijayabahu rejects it. As they did to Chalukyas ( The only South Indian kingdom to resist Cholas military power effectively ), Chola king came up with a marriage proposal to Lanka. The beauty of Vijayabahu's sister Mitta was known all across the region. Chola king expressed willingness to make her one of his Queens. Vijayabahu rejected this offer which infuriated the Chola king.

1085 Vijayabahu's refusal angers some South Indians in Lanka Quite strangely, Vijayabahu's refusal of the Chola king's marriage proposal, also angered some powerful South Indians living in Lanka. The feelings of some South Indians living in Lanka towards South India were so strong that they seemed to believe that Lanka should act according to the will of the South Indian kings. These powerful South Indians in Lanka would take revenge by capturing her and sending her to the Chola king later. The only way to explain such acts, is that the primitive barbarian qualities are inborn even if the barbarian lives in a civilised world.

1085 Sinhala ambassadors in Chola Kingdom are mutilated by Chola king as revenge Angry Chola king summoned the Sinhala ambassadors in the Chola kingdom and mutilate them. He cut their noses and ears. Then he sent them to Lanka. Lankans including Vijayabahu were shocked with utter disbelief. Lankans had always welcomed all Chola envoys and had sent them back with gifts even if the both sides didn't agree on issues. Cholas had already taught the Lankans that Peacetalks could be used as a tool to capture those who arrive for the peacetalks. The same way the Lankans learnt that some barbarians in the world would take revenge on the ambassadors.

1085 "Come and face Sinhala army in war, anywhere anytime " : Vijayabahu challenges the Cholas Furious Vijayabahu summoned the Chola envoys in Polonnaruwa. Being a good Buddhist, he didn't cut their noses or ears. He dressed them in female clothes to show the Chola cowardice in taking revenge on innocent public officials. Then he sent them to Chola kingdom with a challenge for the coward Chola king. "Come and face Sinhala army in war, anywhere anytime at your choice" said Vijayabahu. Cholas did not reply.

1085 Vijayabahu's challenge angers the South Indians in Lanka Some powerful South Indians living in Lanka didn't like Vijayabahu's reaction to the Chola king's brutal act. Such South Indians, though they live and prosper in Lanka, had always been loyal to South India instead of Lanka. They were angry that the Lankans had challenged their brothers in arms across the sea. They started planning a conspiracy to assassinate Vijayabahu and, of course, to grab power as well.

1085 Some power-hungry South Indians in Lanka, grabs Polonnaruwa Selfish, corrupt elements helped by some angry South Indian residents in Lanka, executed a treacherous revolt that took the government by surprise. The rebels used many South Indian Generals and their South Indian troops who were serving in the Lankan army. (Some Tamil soldiers were so trusted that they were even given the supreme honourable task of guarding the Tooth relic and many important Buddhist places and sensitive key locations). Ironically, it was these South Indians who had been entrusted with the task of guarding the city of Polonnaruwa. Sinhala Army units had been stationed outside the city. These South Indian rebels murdered both Sinhala commanders who were to lead the Chola invasion. They were the best commanders of the entire Lankan army. These South Indian traitors stormed their way through Polonnaruwa assassinating the key leaders of the government.

1085 Stunned Vijayabahu escapes from Polonnaruwa The Royal palace was burnt down as a stunned Vijayabahu escaped with his deputy not knowing what was going on.

1085 South Indians grab Vijayabahu's sister for Chola king Rebels took Vijayabahu's sister as a hostage. They planned to send her to the Chola king as he had wanted her as a wife. ( Earlier Vijayabahu refused Chola king's proposal for his sister). Such loyal were the South Indians in Lanka, to their homeland in South India. Fortunately, the despatch was delayed. This gave Vijayabahu enough time to rescue her.

1085 Vijayabahu hit back with his finest soldiers of lion-courage A shocked Vijayabahu just managed to escape to Kegalle with his deputy king. The Deputy King Virabahu was known for his lion-courage. He called for other Lankan Army units stationed in remote areas. It is not clear how the other South Indian regiments of the Lankan Army that were stationed in Jaffna, reacted. Judging by the events, it is highly possible that they also rebelled against Vijayabahu so that their Generals could rule the peninsula as warlords. The rest of the Lankan Army regrouped and hit back. With public support, they crushed the revolt and entered Polonnaruwa. South Indian mercenaries were rounded up. They were burnt to death on the funeral site of the two great Sinhala Generals they assassinated.

1085 Weakened Vijayabahu cancels the Chola expedition Weakened by the treacherous South Indian rebellion, Vijayabahu had to cancel the overseas expedition. That was what the South Indians rebels in Lanka, had wanted. By stirring up Lanka, they had effectively weakened Lanka. By this act, they saved the Chola kingdom which was their brothers-in-arms across the sea.

1085 Vijayabahu disbands the Army Vijayabahu expected another Cholas invasion to help the Chola sympathisers in Lanka. When it was clear that the Cholas were not coming, he dispersed the army. His patriotic soldiers returned to the paddy fields for there was a lot be done to improve the economy.

1086 State benefits renewed for single women Vijayabahu revived the state facilities and benefits offered to unprotected and widowed women. Constant battles waged for over 60 years had many fatherless families. The women had become the sole breadwinner of many families. Under the corrupt evil rulers, the rich and the powerful had exploited these unfortunate women.

1088 Chola king makes peace with Vijayabahu Chola king proposed a peacepact to Vijayabahu. Cholas were then under pressure. The warmongering in South India had created many enemies for the Cholas. They needed friends.

1089 Vijayabahu expels South Indian wife for violating Buddhist discipline Tilokasundari, the second queen of Vijayabahu was a descendant of a South Indian family that had migrated to Lanka from the state of Kalinga. She violated privileges offered to Buddhist Monasteries in gross disrespect towards the religion of the masses. Vijayabahu expelled her from the city. No doubt this angered some ethnic extremists who failed to respect the system they lived in. His chief queen was the daughter of Jagatipala from Ayodhya city, North India. She was the brave warrior who fought the Cholas hand to hand in the liberation struggle. When compared to her standards, the other queens struggled to match her grace and the level of patriotism.

1089 Vijayabahu's sister marries a Pandyan prince : Another classic example for the beautiful multi-culturism practised by the Sinhalese. Despite another marriage proposal from a Chola Prince in Chola kingdom, Mitra, beautiful sister of Vijayabahu, married a Pandyan who was living in Lanka. He was from a wealthy Pandyan family who lived in Lanka. After all of the betrayals by the South Indians in Lanka, the Sinhalese were still ready to practice multi-culturism and to live together with the good foreigners who respected the land and the native civilisation with the honour they deserved.

1089 In return, Chola king finds a Lankan South Indian to marry his daughter Chola King Kulottunga was disappointed and angry that Vijayabahu's sister married a Pandyan in Lanka. But he didn't give up. Using the contacts he had with the extremists of the South Indian community living in Lanka, he somehow managed to give his daughter, Suttamalliyar, in marriage to Vira Perumal, a prince of a Pandyan family living in Lanka.

1095 Pope compares the Christian land size against Islamic land size “Can anyone tolerate that we do not even share equally with the Muslims the inhabited earth? They have made Asia, which is a third of the world, their homeland. They have also forcibly held Africa, the second portion of the world, for over 200 years. There remains Europe, the third continent. How small a portion of it is inhabited by us Christians ?.” On November 27, 1095 AD, in a Church council just outside the walls of the French city of Clermont, the Pope Urban II stirred up the religious competition. That was a step towards waging war to spread Christianity all over the world.

1095 Pope calls for Crusades saying all sins would be forgiven. Since 1071 AD, Seljuk Islamic Turks were controlling the Christian Holy Land. They had banned the Christian pilgrims. As Prophet Muhammad did almost 500 years before, Pope Urban II called upon the Christians to wage a holy war. Muhammad had told his followers that those who were slain in battle, would enter the paradise. Similarly, Pope Urban promised that all who joined a crusade to free the Holy Land, would be forgiven in all their sins. Christian Bishops were appointed to enlist men. The first to enlist was a fanatical group of poor men and women. They were grouped into self-financed small platoons with one leader. They were sent to Constantinople, capital of the East Roman Empire from where they would attack the Muslim states.

1095 And they call Buddhist Monks the Warmongers…!! Strangely, in Sri Lanka, there has been a strong and widely publicised propaganda campaign which portrays the Buddhist monk as a warmonger. It is true that it was the true Theravada Buddhist monks who defied the activities of the selfish corrupt elements in Sri Lanka. It was these Theravada Buddhist monks who took the leadership to rally the good people of Lanka against the evil selfish power-hungry regimes. ( Such evil regimes in turn maintained and sponsored their own corrupt Buddhism as well. They used these corrupt monks to cover up their hypocrisy from the public. But those corrupt monks were disrobed and their temples were handed over to the true monks once the good regimes were established.) Most of these critics are Anti-Buddhist Christian extremists. It is strange that these critics do not seem to remember the past of their own religion. They don't seem to know what their own religious organizations are doing to the Non-Christian communities and cultures.

1095 Massacre of the Pioneers of the First Crusade The Hungarians objected to the Crusade called by the Pope. They attacked the Crusaders on the way to Turkey and killed many. Many crusaders died of diseases and hazards of the journey for which they were not used to. The Islamic Turks killed those who survived to reach Turkey. This first crusade ended up in disaster for the crusaders.

1095 Christian Church enlist Private Armies of the European Nobles The organisers of the crusades realised that they needed better organised and better equipped armies. Then the message was sent to all Christian Bishops to campaign to persuade their local nobles to the crusade. This was a successful move. Experienced private armies led by influential European nobles arrived. Many of them owned latest military machines like Siege machines. They were mainly from France and Italy where the influence of the Pope was very high.

1097 Battle of Yznik : The First Well-organised Crusader attack In May 1097, the Crusaders joined the Byzantinian ( East Roman Empire) army to attack their first major Islamic target. Within a month this Muslim city of Yznik in Turkey offered to surrender to the Byzantinian troops, rather than to the Crusaders. Crusaders at the time were notorious for their atrocities.

1097 Crusaders question the motive of the East Roman Emperor For the first time the Crusaders accused the Byzantinian Emperor that he was mainly interested in expanding his power in the region rather than rescuing the Christian Holy Land. This accusation would be repeated so many times as the East Roman Emperors time and again do concentrate on consolidating their power rather than working for the objectives of the Pope. Even today, many Christian superpowers use the Christian religious front as a tool to expand their political power in Non-Christian regions.

1097 Well armed Crusaders win against ill-equipped Muslim Armies The Crusaders who used latest equipment based tactics, then won their biggest victory by nearly annihilating the Turkish elite forces who depended on the manpower. Thereafter the Muslim armies could not resist with success. Crusaders slowly inched towards the middle east.

1098 Crusaders massacre Muslims, Jews, and even dark-skinned Christians Overjoyed with the success, groups of Christian knights terrorised the area between the Europe and the middle east. They killed all Muslims, Jews, and even dark-skinned Christians. White European crusaders harassed the people of the region. Whole of the Middle East region was either in the hands of the Islamic Arabs or the Christian Europeans. Pope kept sending more Crusaders from Europe. A foolish Children's Crusade resulted in a massacre of many children.

1099 Jerusalem is recaptured by the Crusaders By this time the city of Jerusalem was not under the Islamic Turks. It was the Egyptians who ruled Jerusalem. On 7th July, crusaders arrived and attacked the city. Crusaders kept on receiving continuous reinforcements and newly constructed siege machines. On July 15, they managed to break into the city.

1099 Massacre in Jerusalem They then massacred every human inside, soldiers and civilians alike. The Crusaders believed that the city could be purified with the blood of the defeated Muslims.

1100 Aksum kingdom disappears Aksum kingdom, which was in alliance with the Byzantine empire, had been a strong state till 675 AD. Then the Muslims conquered Egypt and Nubia in 675 AD. With this the Aksum kingdom got cut off from all the Christian states. Aksum kingdom quickly declined. But many Ethiopians have a reputation for stubbornly maintaining the Christian traditions through the following centuries.

1100 Christian Church becomes more powerful than monarchs in Europe By this time the well-trained missionaries despatched by the Christian Church, had made almost the entire medieval Europe a Christian world. The Christian church's law ruled the life of all Europeans, including the European kings. The church also crowned the kings. The emperors didn't like this very much as this deprived them of their freedom. The church also had the power to overrule the decisions taken by the kings.

1100 Church owns Land & enjoys rare privileges The church owned as much as 25 per cent of the land in many European countries. The church was the largest landowner in Europe. Church clergy enjoyed privileges very few Europeans had. No king could survive if the church was displeased.

1100 Europe revives after crusades : This is the secret of the Europe's rise to power 400 years later Before the Crusades, Europe was far behind in many aspects, when compared to the rest of the world. All this began to change after the Crusades. Crusades gave rebirth to advance aspects of the civilisation that had almost vanished from Europe. Use of large funds, building of strong ships, Competitive purchasing and distribution of goods appeared in Europe again. Trade and banking also revived. Towns became Cities. Use of money, which was almost non-existent in Europe, began again.

1100 Asian knowledge arrives in Europe for the First Time New technologies and agriculture, which the Muslims had learnt form the Chinese, reached Europe for the first time. The windmill and the wheelbarrow ( for agriculture ), iron horseshoe and the breast-strap ( for the horse ), Compass- the magnetized needle which pointed to the north when placed on a straw on water ( for navigation), the rudder ( which replaced the oar & created heavy ships for deep sea voyages ) reached Europe. All these made Europeans to work more efficiently.

1110 Death of Vijayabahu : a South Indian Historian writes "if not for Vijayabahu, No Sinhalese will exist today." After 55 years of rule, Vijayabahu died at the age of 77. Nilakantha Sastri, a South Indian Historian wrote "if not for Vijayabahu no Sinhalese will exist today. He was the chief architect of the Sinhala Nation and freedom". That said it all. Unfortunately, after his death, the lack of a national philosophy led to anarchy.

1110 Was Vijayabahu poisoned ? Vijayabahu failed to revive the Theravada system due to the strength of the minority extremists and the corrupt selfish elements. During the invaders rule, these two social groups had reached the highest levels in the society. They were among the most powerful social elite. They had resisted Vijayabhu's attempts to re-introduce the National philosophy. By the events that followed his death, it has been argued that he might have been poisoned by his sister's husband who was a Pandyan living in Lanka.

1110 Why did the Nation fell into anarchy after the death of Vijayabahu Vijayabahu failed to revive the Theravada system due to the strength of the minority extremists and the selfish corrupt elements. During the half a century of rewarding collaboration with the invaders, they had become too powerful within the social elite. After Vijayabahu's death, the lack of a national philosophy led to anarchy. Political infighting among the ruling elite for power and policies, threw the economy into ruins. Giant Reservoirs and irrigation canals were overgrown as the ruling elite was busy in their power-hungry selfish projects. The ruling elite forgot the centuries old fine Sinhalese values.

1110 A Barbarian Culture in Lanka The ruthless invaders had left a barbarian culture behind. ill-disciplined soldiers including many South Indians in Lanka, became the thug squads of the elite. They harassed innocent people and plundered Buddhist temples as they wished. Corrupt officials oppressed people as the ruling elite who needed them to control the masses, turned a blind eye to their dirty deeds. Looking back now, it is impossible to trace at least one prosperous village in the country around this time.

1110 Vijayabahu's Pandyan Bro-in-Law cheats Vijayabahu's Son When Vijayabahu died, his son Vikkamabahu was ruling the sub-kingdom Ruhuna. Vijayabahu's sister was married to a Pandyan living in Lanka. This Pandyan associated with many of the corrupt social elite. He had dragged the sister of Vijayabahu also into the power-hungry selfish circle. This was another classic example of what a mixed marriage can do to an unsuspecting Sinhalese. Her South Indian husband poisoned her mind with hunger for power and used her as a bait to grab power. The greedy corrupt elements gave them their support. Together they deliberately avoided informing the son of Vijayabahu in Ruhuna, of the father’s death. Vijayabahu's sister took control and appointed her partner as the new king. Their three sons were appointed as the heirs to the throne after their father.

1110 Vijayabahu's Son learns of his father's Death When Vijayabahu died, his son Vikkramabahu was ruling the sub-kingdom Ruhuna. Vijayabahu's Pandyan Brother-in-law who grabbed the throne, ignored to inform the son of the father's death. However the news reached him in no time. When Vikkamabahu learnt of the father’s death, he was furious. He had heard form his father how selfish and power-hungry the non-believers of the National Philosophy could be. Only then he managed to witness it first hand.

1110 Vijayabahu's Son battles the corrupt A Young Vikkramabahu was furious about the power-hungry cover-up of his father's death. He came to Polonnaruwa with some handpicked troops from the Lankan Army units stationed in Ruhuna under his command. He had only 800 young men. But they were all highly motivated, well-trained, lion-hearted warriors. The corrupt elements were unpopular among the public. They couldn't obtain the support of the masses. They had to use paid mercenaries and bribe some of the Army units to fight on behalf of them.

1110 Vijayabahu's Son defeats the Corrupt Finally, Vikkramabahu won eight separate battles against the Corrupt forces. In all eight encounters, apart from the masses who supported him, he had only the 800 gallant youngmen from Ruhuna with him.

1110 Traitors hide in Colombo The traitors then fled to Colombo, a busy harbour town full of foreign merchants, on the west coast. it was an ideal busy town to hide. There they dispersed and got mixed into the busy foreign community there. In case of an emergency, they could organise a foreign trading vessel to flee from the country.

1110 Son visits the grave of the father Vickramabahu entered the capital city of Polonnaruwa and went straight to his father's grave. There he made a promise that he would bring back glory to Lanka that his father had liberated at great sacrifice.

1111 Son faces the corrupt traitors again The power-hungry traitors who were hiding in the town of Colombo planned to rise up in rebellion again. They hired foreign mercenaries with the support of the greedy merchants. Fortunately the news reached Vikkramabahu before they could launch the surprise attack. Vikkramabahu led Lankan Army to Colombo to search for the rebels.

1111 Power-hungry Rebels raise a private Army in South India As Vikkramabahu was heading to Colombo, the selfish corrupt elements sent a message to their friends and trade partners in South India to collect funds from all interested traders to raise a powerful private army of more foreign mercenaries. While they set sail to Lanka, Vikkramabahu defeated the band of rebels in Colombo. The coup leaders fled along the banks of the Kelani river. Vikkamabahu went as far as Kelaniya to hunt them down. Then the South Indian mercenary force hired by the greedy merchants, landed in Mannar on the north-western coast of Lanka.

1111 18th invasion : South Indian Warlord Viradeva's private army Responding to the request sent by the powerful rich merchants in Colombo, traders and the corrupt elements hired the services of a South Indian Warlord named Viradeva. This Warlord landed in Mannar with his experienced private army. King Vikkramabahu had to leave for Mannar straight from Kelaniya.

1111 Lankan Army is pushed all the way to Kantalai Because of regular infighting between warlords and kingdoms, South Indian mercenaries in the Warlord Viradeva's private army were seasoned fighters. Vikramabahu's troops were tired after the relentless search for the rebels in Colombo. King Vikkramabahu lost the battle in Mannar. He had to withdraw all the way to Polonnaruwa. There he collected the Royal valuables and retreated to a strategic location in Kantalai.

1111 Battle of Kantalai : Lankan Army wipes out the invaders Vikramabahu consolidated his defences in Kantalai. The invaders came searching for the fleeing Lankan Army and the king. Finally the invaders reached and surrounded the Lankan Army in Kantale. In the ensuing battle, Viradeva the leader of the invaders, was killed. The Lankan patriots wiped out the entire South Indian army. It is so unfortunate that such heroism against all odds, is not even taught to the recruits of the Lankan Army today. This only proves the strength of the campaign against the history of Lanka by the anti-Buddhist elements. In other countries, such heroic history is cherished and generation after generation of citizens are reminded of the need to follow that example in order to maintain the proud legacy of the country.

1112 Creation of provincial warlords with private armies due to a weakened Government : They are NOT separate States. While King Vikramabahu was busy fighting for the country and the people, some provincial officials and merchants took the opportunity to rule their areas the way they want to. Even after destroying the invaders, the weakened Government was not able to free the people or the land in those areas all at once. This strengthened these greedy merchants and the corrupt officials. They even challenged the king on his decisions to redevelop the country and the people. These provincial warlords with small private thug squads, continued to appear in many parts of the country. They supported the corrupt and the evil and defied the rule of the king. They were duly supported and funded by the greedy merchants. They vandalised their areas and harassed the people.

1112 Ruhunu Warlords Even parts of Ruhuna were in the hands of corrupt officials and merchants who hired thugs in to their small private armies. They taxed people as they please. Their henchmen harassed the innocent people. These henchmen even turned to robbing. Patriotic people protested. Theravada Buddhist monks took the Budda's tooth relic and the alms bowl and went into hiding in some parts of Ruhuna.

1127 Chinese has the Worlds' Best Cities Chinese Song dynasty specialised in building cities. Over one million people lived in their capital city, Hangzhou. Many Chinese cities had populations in excess of 100,000. Few European cities at the time had more than 20,000 residents. 10% of the Chinese population lived in cities. Europeans reached such levels of civilisation 700 years later, only after the industrial revolution. The Chinese cities featured markets stocked with goods from all corners of the world. These markets were full of fish, fruit, rice wine, spices, silk, sandalwood, ebony, and pearls. Chinese cities boasted beautiful parks and gardens. They had baths that provided massages. Cities were full of restaurants that offered tea, fried rice, and wine. Rich Chinese dressed in silk. Their women travelled on embroidered chairs carried by their servants.

1127 Hangzhou : One of the Most Beautiful Cities the world has ever seen Over one million people lived in the Chinese capital city, Hangzhou. ( Even the few European cities at the time didn't have more than 20,000 residents). Hangzhou was one of the most beautiful cities the world had ever seen. The city was subdivided into 12 sectors. Each sector alone was larger than Venice, the greatest European city at the time. Roads were wide and had huge squares. Roads were lined with gardens, castles and shops. There were over 12,000 bridges in the city built over an excellent canal transport network. These bridges over the main canals were so high that the trade ships from the Middle East, India and Sri Lanka, passed underneath straight to warehouses.

1130 A Warlord in Ruhuna dreams of a Powerful Son Of all the warlords in Ruhuna, three became the most powerful. One of those three main warlords in Ruhuna, was named Manabarana. He was said to be of mixed descent as he was said to be part-Sinhalese and part-Pandyan. It has been claimed that his father was distantly related to a former Pandyan Royal family. Manabarana was married to Ratnavali, one of the daughters of Vijayabahu. She was of solar race of the Sinhala Royal descent. ( This is also an example to the non-discriminating, true multi-cultural nation that the Sinhalese maintained at great peril to themselves ). One night, he dreamt of a powerful son born to him. The following day, the astrologers predicted a prince who would one day unite Lanka and who would also be capable of ruling India as well.

1130 The Last Great Ruler : Parakramabahu is born in Dedigama He was born in Punkhagama ( present Dedigama), in Kegalle district. Parakramabahu later went on emphasizing his maternal descent. His actions as a ruler proved his total commitment and loyalty to the beautiful and fair Sinhala National philosophy which all good minorities liked without any hesitation. But Eelamists today continue to claim him as a king of Tamils who ruled Lanka.

1133 A Civil war after the King dies When the Lankan King Vikkramabahu died, his son Gajabahu became the king of Lanka in Polonnaruwa. Two warlords in Ruhuna started planning to grab the throne in Polonnaruwa. King Gajabahu defeated them in the rebellion and continued to rule in Polonnaruwa. But he didn't have the strength to liberate Ruhuna from the Warlords.

1140 Parakramabahu grooms to be a great leader under the Governor of Western Province. Parakramabahu left his parents home to live with his uncle Kirti Srimegha, Governer of the sub-kingdom Dakkinadesa ( western province). There he studied the art of war, languages, sports, literature, politics, Buddhism, Grammar, poetry, dance, singing, and weapon training. He displayed exceptional intelligence while learning all these. Kirtisrimegha who had no children, decided to adopt this clever young man as his heir. He would stay with him until he was fifteen.

1144 Muslims begin the Counter-attack on the Crusaders Muslim military forces in the middle east had been unable to withstand the firepower and the new tactics of the Crusaders. Last crusade had taken them by surprise. Under the leadership of Imad ad-Din Zangi, ruler of Syria, Islamic forces reunited and retrained. They began attacking the areas held by the Crusaders. These new Muslim forces won their first major victory in the city of Edessa in 1144 AD. Pope realised that more crusaders were needed to hold on to the region. He called for more volunteers from Europe. This time, even the European Kings were invited into the battle.

1145 Pope calls for the Second Crusade: French & German Kings respond As the Muslim armies threatened the Crusaders, the Pope called for the second Crusade. Church managed to enlist the king of France, Louis VII, and the Holy Roman emperor who was then the German King, Conrad III.

1145 German Army is Massacred Conrad III was the German King who was also called the Holy Roman emperor. His German army left Nuremberg, Germany, in May 1147 AD. The Turks massacred this German army. Demoralized and frightened survivors deserted the German army.

1145 French Army quits 30 days later the Germans left for Jerusalem, in June 1147 AD, king of France, Louis VII led the French forces himself. They reached the Christian garrison in Jerusalem commanded by King Baldwin III of Jerusalem. Together, they tried to take Damascus back. At the end of this unsuccessful campaign, the French king decided to quit. He wasn't ready to engage in a long drawn out war. He left with the remnants of his army back to France.

1146 Death of Zangi : the Brilliant Muslim Leader The Crusaders failed in their second Crusade because of the brilliant Muslim leadership of Zangi. Both the French and the German armies had been defeated by his troops. In 1146 AD, this clever Muslim leader died. A Muslim General named Nur ad-Din took command of the Muslim Armies. One of his Generals was Saladin. Saladin received enough freedom to operate independently under Nur ad-Din. Saladin would become a legend in the history of mankind.

1150 Tactics of Parakramabahu : Using his uncle to get close to Lankan King Fifteen year old Parakramabahu, determined to bring the country together, left his uncle's house one night without telling him. He met his few loyal followers at Batalagoda, on the border of Dakkinadesa. Then they crossed into Menikdena and invited the local official who worked under the Lankan king, to see him. Scared that Parakramabahu's daring actions could cost him his title, his uncle Kirti Srimegha sent soldiers to capture him. Parakramabahu managed to evade and to fight off all groups of troops his uncle sent. By this time, Parakramabahu was famous. Gajabahu, Lankan King in Polonnaruwa thought that Kirti Srimegha was hunting down Parakramabahu. He invited Parakramabahu to Polonnaruwa.

1150 Tactics of Parakramabahu : Winning the confidence of the Lankan king Parakramabahu impressed the king with his wisdom and knowledge. He stayed with the king winning his confidance. To win further trust from the Lankan king, he even had his mother and sister (who would later marry a Rajarata official) moved to Rajarata kingdom.

1150 Tactics of Parakramabahu : He studies the Central Government in detail He quickly studied in detail about the revenues, stocks of grains, and military resources of the central government in Polonnaruwa. His later success was mostly based on such extensive intelligence gathering and planning, for which he used loyal, competent and trained spies. When he could not hide his true intentions any longer and when he was about to be questioned on his motives, he fled from Polonnaruwa in secret.

1150 Parakramabahu becomes the ruler of the Western Province Clever and cunning Parakramabahu then became a fugitive wanted by the Lankan king in Polonnaruwa. Parakramabahu told his mother to take him to Kirti Srimegha, the Governer of the western province. There he made peace with him and lived under his protection. After his uncle's ( KirtiSrimegha) death, He became the new ruler of Dakkinadesa (The Western Province).

1150 Parakramabahu rules from Panduvasnuwara He developed Panduvasnuwara in Hettipola as Parakramapura, and ruled from there.

1150 Parakramabahu develops the economy in western province before the war He immediately established strong military outposts along the border so that the Lankan king or Ruhunu warlords couldn't attack him. He developed agriculture, and foreign trade through ports of Colombo, Kalpitiya, and Uruwela. Main revenue came from precious stones. He collected enough resources needed for the war to unite the country.

1150 Parakramabahu recruits South Indians in Lanka Parakramabahu also recruited mercenaries from the South Indian community living in Lanka to bolster the manpower in his private army. ( Soldiering and trade activities were the most common professions the South Indians were engaged in Lanka ). Parakramabahu would, over the next decades, make maximum use of the South Indians expertise in war and military affairs. He would appoint Good South Indian Generals to lead the most difficult missions. He would use these troops to crush the South Indian rebels in the Jaffna peninsula.

1150 Parakramabahu takes the Hill Country Parakramabahu's sister was married to an official in the Hill country who worked for the central government. Using this brother-in-law, he slowly took over the control of the hill country.

1150 Difference between the Warlords in Jaffna & other Warlords Cunning and clever Parakramabahu noticed the power-hunger of some South Indians in Lanka who preferred to live in isolation in the northern Jaffna peninsula. Some of these influential, wealthy chiefs and merchants had refused to pay tribute to the central government, as other warlords in other parts of the country had done, when the central government was weak. But Parakramabahu saw the difference. Other warlords in other parts of the country were driven by the hunger for power. These northern warlords were using the South Indian factor to attract the support of the South Indian community.

1150 Using South Indian troops to crush the Jaffna Warlords History shows enough evidence that Parakramabahu saw the future danger in Jaffna peninsula well in advance. He deployed his South Indian troops led by South Indian commanders, to crush the South Indian Warlords in the Northern province.

1150 Parakramabahu & Ruhunu Warlord wins Polonnaruwa together When Parakramabahu finally decided to advance on Polonnaruwa to grab the Central Government, Gajabahu (His brother-in-law) protested. He decided that he should be loyal to the King of Lanka in Polonnaruwa whose name happened to be also Gajabahu. As Gajabahu broke away from him, Parakramabahu made an alliance with the most powerful warlord in Ruhuna, Manabarana. Both together attacked Polonnaruwa. Together they finally won Polonnaruwa.

1150 Tactics of Parakramabahu : Parakramabahu chases Manabarana back to Ruhuna Then, naturally, a battle developed between Parakramabahu and Manabarana for the throne of Lanka. In this battle, Parakramabahu defeated the Ruhunu warlord Manabarana. Manabarana had to withdraw with the rest of his troops, back to Ruhuna. At the end, Parakramabahu had used the Ruhuna warlord to achieve his objective. Ruhunu warlord had only helped Parakramabahu to grab the central government.

1150 Parakramabahu destroy the power-hungry Racists in the Jaffna peninsula Parakramabahu read the minds of the South Indian racists in Lanka very well. Parakramabahu stationed his South Indian regiments in Jaffna and ordered them to destroy the power hungry South Indian racists who lived in the north. He told these troops that after that job was done "So shall it remain so for another 5000 years". He also tried to identify and discipline the stubborn northern chiefs who had joined such warlords in times of crisis. Obviously, the South Indian troops of the Lankan Army didn't do a good job. In just 62 years these power hungry wealthy South Indians in Jaffna would hire Kalingha Magha to come and destroy the whole civilisation in Lanka. Thereafter they would make an alliance with the Pandyan kingdom in South India to run a rebel rule in Jaffna. In just 300 years, the northern racists would massacre the Sinhalese community in Jaffna peninsula.

1150 Parakramabahu listens to the good advice of the Buddhist Monks Gajabahu, the loyal official of the central government, who happened to be Parakramabahu's brother -in-law, then feared for his life. He believed that ParakramaBahu might assassinate him. He went to the Buddhist monks asking their help to save his life. Parakramabahu listened to the good advice of the good Buddhist monks. Buddhist monks managed to obtain his freedom. He lived the rest of his life as a retired public servant with respect.

1153 Parakaramabahu becomes the King of Lanka Manabarana, the Warlord in Ruhuna fought Parakramabahu when ever he could for ruling power. Finally he died of old age. From his death bed, he advised his supporters to join Parakaramabahu. After his death his followers joined Parakramabahu. Thus, with his death, Parakramabahu achieved his first objective in uniting Lanka. Then he became the King of Lanka. He would be the Last Great King of Lanka.

1153 What is Special about Great Parakramabahu ? Using the art of warfare, cunning politics, extensive intelligence gathering techniques, ruthlessness, and also deciding when to adopt and when not to adopt the noble Sinhalese principles, he became the ultimate winner beating all the players in the power game in Lanka. By his tactics he defeated the king, Governors, officials and warlords who were much more powerful than him in military and political strength. His only trouble would be bands of thugs in Ruhuna who resorted to Guerrilla warfare against his mighty army. Under Parakramabahu, the gentle Sinhala race will find themselves as the aggressive conquerors for the first time.

1153 Parakramabahu tries to rebuild the grand Sinhalese civilisation Parakramabahu immediately started repairing the grand buildings. He also built a new Royal palace in Polonnaruwa which was seven storeys high. The South Indian warlord Kalingha Magha hired by the wealthy South Indians in Jaffna, would burn this down within 63 years. Yet these amazing ruins had survived the ravages of time. These wonderful ruins can be seen in Polonnaruwa even today. That gives a hint into the standards the Sinhalese maintained in their civilisation.

1153 Buddhism Corrupted by Selfish Corrupt elements After years of foreign rule and oppression, the Buddhism in Lanka had been corrupted. Selfish greedy merchants and corrupt officials were sponsoring corrupt Buddhist monks as the leaders of the Sasanaya in Lanka. The corrupt Buddhist monks in Abayagiriya and Jetavanaramaya complexes were the most powerful Bikkus in the country. They had very influential sponsors. Their strength became evident only when King Parakramabahu tried to disrobe these ill-disciplined monks.

1153 Even Parakramabahu is NOT powerful enough to disrobe corrupt monks King Parakramabahu joined hands with some pious Theravada Monks who lived in the ruins of Mahaviharaya. Together they had some success in cleaning up the Sasanaya of corrupt monks. But their very powerful and influential sponsors offered strong resistance. This prevented King Parakramabahu from successfully implementing this very important project. Even the combined strength of the King Parakramabahu and the good Lankan officials was not powerful enough to override the power of the selfish corrupt elements. These unpatriotic families had risen to the highest echelons of power during the times of the invaders through collaboration.

1154 King tells Engineers : "There is nothing in this world that people of energy cannot achieve " Since it had been a long time since the major projects of the grand scale had been undertaken, many graduates had forgotten the standards expected from them. Engineers assigned to rebuild the Kottabaddha causeway complained of the difficulty and the problems to the king. King Parakramabahu who was determined to rebuild the former glorious civilisation, said, "There is nothing in this world that people of energy cannot achieve ". One only had to visit the ruined City of Anuradapura to understand that.

1155 World's Best Irrigation Network This is regarded as the peak of the Sinhalese Hydraulic engineering. Over 5000 lakes and reservoirs were interlocked in a network of 4000 canals. Almost all villages in the country were supplied with enough water to irrigate all paddy fields. Village chiefs were placed in charge of the maintenance of the system. The entire world hasn't seen such a delicate system. Not even the much publicised networks in North India and in Burma, could match the sustained and the methodical thoroughness of the development in Lanka at this time. In just 50 years time, Kalingha Magha would destroy these forever.

1155 Parakarama Samudraya : The great ocean in the middle of the country Over one thousand engineers, technicians, workers worked in shifts around the clock for 12 years to build this greatest reservoir of Lanka. They used stone blocks each weighing over ten tons to build 12 meters high embankment 12 kms long. Sluice alone was 100 cubits ( over 60 feet) high. Parakrama Samudraya held 5600 acres of water which irrigated 18,200 acres of paddy fields. A 3-storey beautiful Royal palace was built in an island in the middle of the reservoir. A Dagaba was also built on rock adjoining the reservoir.

1155 Highest number of irrigation works done by a King King Parakramabahu built 1470 reservoirs. That number remains a record in the Lankan history. He enlarged 53 reservoirs in Dakkinadesa alone. He repaired 165 dams, 3910 canals, 163 major reservoirs, and 2376 mini reservoirs.

1155 The Granary of Asia As the irrigation systems were perfected, the results were outstanding. Lanka became to be known as " The Granary of the Asia ". Lanka supplied rice to whole of Asia. In just 50 years time, Kalingha Magha would destroy these forever.

1155 Best Army in South Asia (Lankan Army conducts Army Tattoos) Parakramabahu enlisted young men who were talented in weapons handling, riding, handling horses and elephants, use of foreign languages, singing and dancing, into the Lankan army. These soldiers’ skills were continuously enhanced, and were regularly tested. Those who ultimately failed were directed to other government jobs. Soldiers were used in nearly-live street and jungle fighting exercises which people could come and see.( Like the Army Tattoos of the present times). Lankan army developed into the best organised, trained and maintained army in south Asia.

1155 End of the Tradition of Kings fighting in the war One of the key changes Parakramabahu did was the separation of the Military and the Administration. The military was maintained to be ready for any war, while the administration was focused on the development and the internal security of the country. Unfortunately, this was also the end of the tradition where kings stopped taking part in wars. This had been a noble Sinhalese tradition whereby a King had to prove his worthiness by deeds rather than by words. From this point onwards, the king would only outlined the requirements, and the Generals would wage wars. This enabled many leaders who didn't have what it takes to be a leader of the Lankan standards, to become leaders with the help of their henchmen through propaganda and cover-ups. The result of that would become evident from this time onwards.

1155 Export Development Zones King Parakramabahu identified areas of economic value and developed them into export-income generating zones. Coastal pearl fishing, Gem mines in Ratnapura, Fertile lands of rice and spices were included in these zones.

1155 Kayts was a Lankan Navy Base Under king Parakramabahu, Urathota (Kayts) in the north was a major Naval base and a commercial port, which was similar to the Trincomalee harbour later.

1156 Cities full of traffic Lankan cities were designed with lined streets, flower gardens, parks, and 2-3 storey mansions. Shopping centres with many shops developed. The traffic built up in these busy cities with chariots, horses, and elephants trying to overtake eachother. In just 50 years time, Kalingha Magha would destroy these forever.

1156 Parakramabahu tries to rebuild Anuradapura Parakramabahu badly wanted to restore Anuradapura and move the capital city back there. He assigned a project team, whose budget came from a special donations system collected from all parts of the country, to repair and restore Anuradapura to it's former glory. Unfortunately the damage caused by the ruthless invader and the jealous thugs in Lanka was so much that the task of restoration was too huge for just one king. The following South Indian invasions which paralysed Lanka, didn't allow any subsequent kings to complete that task.

1158 Battle for the Tooth Relic & the Alms Bowl Parakaramabahu was desperate to find these two relics which were held in a secret place in Ruhuna. He used the Lankan Army to find these relics. Lankan army fought many battles for many years suffering heavy casualties against some Warlords in Ruhuna. Finally they found the relics for Parakramabahu who would build new Temples for the relics. In just 50 years time, Kalingha Magha would destroy these temples forever.

1158 A Military Coup in Polonnaruwa When the bulk of the Lankan army was deployed in Ruhuna to find the relics, some Generals tried a military coup in Polonnaruwa. There were both Sinhalese and South Indian Kerala troops under their command. They were probably sponsored by the selfish power hungry elements who would have definitely didn't approve the return to the National Philosophy. However, Parakramabahu managed to crush the revolt.

1159 Battle against Last Warlords in Ruhuna The guerrilla warfare offered by the continuous rise of resistance in Ruhuna one after the other, exhausted the Generals of the Lankan Army. They advised the king Parakramabahu to offer a ceasefire and an amnesty to those who surrender. This weakened the warlords in Ruhuna as many of their supporters in Weligama and other places surrendered.

1159 End of the last Warlord in Ruhuna A rebel group led by a Queen Sugala continued to defy Parakramabahu's rule in Ruhuna. King Parakramabahu then launched the last military operation to clear Ruhuna of the militants. He assigned a South Indian General in the Lankan Army to lead a Lankan Army division in this operation. Evasive Queen Sugala, the leader of the rebels, was finally captured. Parakramabahu ordered that she was to be escorted to Polonnaruwa as a Royal guest. He treated her with respect and her followers were pardoned. King Parakramabahu also organised a massive Victory Celebration in Polonnaruwa. In this big festival the returning army division unit was welcome by the king himself.

1160 Operation Burma : For the first time in history, Sinhalese become the aggressive conquerors Angry at the way the king of Burma was treating the Lankan traders and envoys, king ordered preparations to invade Burma. A South Indian General named Adicca, volunteered to lead the mission. He used many South Indian troops to lead the invasion. These Lankan invaders killed the king of Burma in battle and ransacked the land. The Burmese officials pleaded for peace through the Buddhist monks. Finally, Parakramabahu made a peacepact and withdrew the Lankan army.

1162 Pandyan Kingdom under attack by rebels backed by Cholas, request Lanka's help again Around this time the Pandyan kingdom in South India was in crisis. A rebel leader named Kulasekara was, backed by the Chola king Rajadiraja-2, waging war against the Pandyan king. Through the influential South Indians in Lanka, Pandyan king Parakrama Pandya who was based in Madura requested Lanka's help again. King Parakaramabahu was again under pressure to help the Pandyans. Some wealthy South Indians living in Lanka who had close connections with the Pandyans Royalty, justified this action as Pandyan kingdom could act as a buffer between the Cholas and Lanka.

1162 Parakramabahu sends Sinhala Army troops King Parakaramabahu was a shrewd leader. He had sent mainly South Indian troops to Buddhist Burma. The same way, he despatched Sinhalese seaborne forces to the Pandyan kingdom. They left from Mannar under the command of General Lankapura. Learning lessons from their history, Parakramabahu didn't trust South Indian troops. Parakramabahu was careful not to send his South Indian soldiers to South India as they carried a dubious reputation of taking sides with either the Pandyan or the Chola armies depending on their ancestry.

1162 Victorious Rebels & Cholas massacre the Pandyan Royal Family As the Lankan Army was heading to South India, the Pandyans collapsed. The victorious rebels backed by the Cholas entered the city of Madurai. Cholas then went on their customary celebration of victory in looting, burning and harassing innocent people. In this process they massacred all members of the Pandyan Royal family, except for the son. This son, named Parakrama Pandya, managed to escape. His only hope would be the Lankan Army that was supposed to land in Rameswaran on the southern coastline.

1162 Lankan Army lands amidst fierce battles in South India As the Lankan amphibious force arrived on the coastline of South India, the Cholas met them in a fierce fight on the beach itself. General Lankapura's Sinhala troops managed to push the Cholas inland after days of heavy fighting. They established a beachhead in Rameswaran after winning this battle.

1162 "You ruined them, now go and repair them" General Lankapura even managed to capture many Chola troops as prisoners. He didn't kill prisoners like the way the South Indians did. He sent them over to his king Parakramabahu so that they can work in the massive repair projects in Anuradapura. He said " You ruined them, now go and repair them ".

1162 Re-establishing Buddhist Universities with multi-storey buildings Parakramabahu tried to re-establish the Buddhist University network which was once the pride of the nation. Among the new Buddhist monasteries he established, were eight new university complexes. All these had 3-storey mansions ( which were the hostels for the student monks ), and 12-storey Uposathaghara ( Chapter house). In just 50 years time, Kalingha Magha would destroy these forever.

1162 Ruwanveli Mahaseya & Jethavanaramaya restored King Parakramabahu restored Ruwanveli Mahaseya and Jethavanaramaya to their original height. In just 50 years time, Kalingha Magha would destroy these forever.

1162 Last attempt to re-build the Pride of the Nation : "Lova Maha Paya" In 1018 AD, Cholas had intentionally destroyed the foundation of the Lova Maha Paya so that the restoration was impossible. King Parakramabahu was determined to restore the pride of the nation. Parakramabahu would manage to repair only the pillars and the foundation. The 1600 pillars we see today, are his repairs.

1162 Parakramabahu restores Mihintale King Parakramabahu managed to restore 64 Dagabas in Mihintale alone. Following the subsequent destruction of the entire Lankan civilisation, Mihintale would remain hidden until 1891 AD. In 1891 AD the British learnt of the ruins. British Archaeologist HCP Bell began excavation work in Mihintale. What they discovered amazed them so much that they fell in love with the history of the Sinhalese.

1163 General Lankapura breaks out of the beachhead After consolidating his defences at the beachhead, General Lankapura moved forward to rescue the Pandyan kingdom from the clutches of the Cholas. Parakrama Pandya, son of the slain Pandyan king, the sole survivor of the Pandyan Royal family, joined him with his followers. They led their troops through Chola resistance to the town of Kundukala. General Lankapura decided that he should establish the base camp of the Sinhala Army there.

1163 Legend of Parakramapura - Sinhala Army's fortress in Kundukala, South India Sinhala Army Engineers under the command of General Lankapura built a fortress in Kundukala in a short time. This only proved the efficiency of the world class army King Parakramabahu had raised. This fortress had high protective walls which were 3600 feet long. The entire fort was surrounded by deep and wide moats. A canal was dug to bring the sea water into these moats. The sea water flowed from one canal to another, before flowing back to the sea. No enemy could drain the water away. Cholas would lose many battles here as they tried to conquer the fortress from the Sinhala troops.

1163 "One day I will cut-off the heads of the Sinhalese officers who commanded this fortress"- says the defeated enemy leader As General Lankapura had expected, Cholas arrived in force to attack the fortress. Initially Cholas suffered heavy casualties. Cholas learnt of the smart tactics of the defenders each time they assaulted. Each time they suffered terrible casualties and ran away. In one major attack, Kulasekera the rebel leader who ruled the Pandyan kingdom, had to flee the battlefield as his entire force got annihilated. While running he made a promise to himself. "One day I will cut-off the heads of the Sinhalese officers who commanded this fortress"

1170 Lankan Army restores Pandyan Heir to the throne Finally the Cholas and the Pandyan rebels couldn't stop the Lankan Army from marching to the city of Madurai. There they installed Parakrama Pandya, the son of the last Pandyan king, as the king of the Pandyans. The Pandyan rebels would counter attack once they received fresh reinforcements from the Chola kingdom.

1170 British King is humiliated in public by the Church In 1170 AD, the tug-of-war between the European kings and the Church reached an ugly point. King Henry II of England and the papacy ( The Roman Catholic Church led by the Pope) were in constant disagreement. King Henry II of England even assassinated the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas a Becket. In 1174 AD, the Church launched a propaganda campaign to publicise this. To win back the hostile public, king Henry was forced to kneel at the slain archbishop Becket's tomb while the monks flogged him in punishment.

1171 The First modern Bank in Europe Around this time the business was becoming a common practice in Europe. In 1171 AD, the first modern bank in Europe was established in Venice, the most developed European town.

1171 Church Protests to the first modern bank in Europe The Roman Catholic Church banned the lending of money at interest. Church announced that a Christian should not charge interest for giving money to someone who was in need. Merchants neglected the Church's opinion and continued to make money in trading. Once the wealthy merchants began to offer donations to the Church, such Church regulations slowly disappeared.

1174 Coming of Saladin Muslim General Nur ad-Din, who replaced Zangi the great Muslim leader, died in 1174 AD. One of his most powerful Generals was Saladin who had established his capability beyond no doubts. Saladin replaced him as the leader of the Muslim Armies and the Sultan of Egypt and Syria. He went on a highly successful military campaign that earned him the region from the Libyan Desert to the Tigris Valley. At the end of this, Saladin had effectively surrounded the remaining Crusader states on three sides.

1178 Solid Proof of South Indian Traitors in multi-cultural Lanka An inscription found in the Chola kingdom had revealed that some South Indians in Lanka sent in secret information. These South Indians had functioned as spies in Lanka. They had warned the Chola king that Lankan king Parakramabahu was amassing more troops and ships in at least five coastal villages, including Valikamam & Urutturai, in Jaffna peninsula to invade South India. No wonder the Sinhalese troops lost the battles in South India.

1179 A new Country named Portugal Among the many fractions of warlords, who were fighting eachother for the ruling power in the area, Alfonso Henriques was the most powerful. He managed to defeat others under the blessings of the Christian Church. After winning over the rest of the fractions, he announced the birth of a new country named Portugal. He became the first King of Portugal as Alfonso I. In 1179 AD, the Pope recognised Portugal as a new independent country. That was the beginning of a long and a fanatic loyalty of the Portugese rulers to the Christian Church. Under these fanatic Portugese rulers, Portugese colonies like Sri Lanka would suffer terrible consequences.

1180 Japan's Fujiwara family loses power to local warrior rule While Fujiwara family was self-indulgent in the city, they lost touch with the provincial areas. As the remote areas were neglected the public became agitated. Slowly the local nobles began to win the public by taxing less and attending to local problems. Samurai Warriors used by the Fujiwara family to rule and control provincial areas, slowly joined these local chiefs. Popularity of Buddhism made many villagers aware of the exploitation. Villagers then preferred these local rulers instead of the Fujiwara family. Fujiwara family lost their income. Without the income, they couldn't hold on to power. As the Fujiwara family lost power, Japan's Classical age also came to an end.

1183 Battle of Ramnad: Lankan Army is wiped out in South India Pandyan rebel leader Kulasekera received fresh reinforcements from the Chola kingdom. They attacked in two fronts. One Chola army attacked Madurai, capital of Pandyan kingdom. The other attacked the Sinhala Army. In the Battle of Ramnad, Sinhala army lost the war. During the withdrawal, General Lankapura and many Sinhala troops were captured.

1183 Cholas re-install the rebel King in Pandyan kingdom As the Sinhala Army got wiped out, the other Chola army took Madurai. They took the young Pandyan king prisoner. Then they installed Kulasekera as the new Pandyan king.( Cholas would reverse this again within 2 years as the relationship between Parakaramabahu in Lanka & Kulasekera in Pandya improved dangerously to the Cholas).

1183 Plight of the Sinhala Army Troops as Kulasekera takes revenge Kulasekera, the new rebel king of the Pandyans, then sought his revenge. He summoned General Lankapura and the rest of the captured Lankan prisoners. He murdered them in cold blood and as he had promised to himself, these heads of the Sinhalese Army officers were nailed on the walls of the Madurai city. It is a pity that Sri Lankan Army has today totally forgotten the sacrifices of these brave Lankan Army troops. Recruits to the Lankan Army or the children of Lanka today don't get to learn about these heroes. This only shows the strength of the anti-Buddhist elements and the selfish Sinhalese leaders.

1184 Kulasekera gets scared of the Cholas : He returns the heads of the Sinhalese Army officers & ask for friendship In a classic example of how the Sinhalese were outstanding amidst the type of communities that lived around them in the region, Kulasekera himself began to trust the Lankan King rather than the Chola king. Kulasekera returned the heads of the great Sinhala officers ( which were on the walls of the city wall) back to Lanka. He also sent many gifts and requested an alliance with Lanka. Kulasekera was scared of the power hungry Cholas. He was prepared to choose Lanka as a friend.

1184 Parakramabahu accepts Kulasekera's alliance Sinhalese who have had very bad experiences in trusting the South Indians friendship, were very reluctant to accept Kulasekera's alliance. Finally, Parakramabahu in Lanka and Kulasekera in the Pandyan kingdom made peace. Cholas wouldn't like this. Fortunately, they were powerless to invade the Pandyan kingdom on their own.

1185 Samurai rule Japan : Military dictatorship for 700 years As the local noble families started to battle eachother for more territory, Samurais became more powerful. They developed into Shoguns who were Samurais capable of ruling own kingdoms. Two Samurai warriors Yoritomo and his brother Minamoto Yoshitsune drove the king Taira from the capital city Kyoto. In 1185 AD, they convincingly defeated the king's force in a brutal sea battle. The brutal fate that awaited the prisoners were such survivors of the king Taira's army drowned themselves. Yoritomo ended the civilian rule in Japan and made himself the military ruler of Japan. This was the beginning of a military dictatorship that would rule Japan for the next 700 years.

1185 Proof of South Indian traitors living in Lanka : Correspondence between Parakramabahu & Kulasekera falls into Chola hands. Kulasekera, the ruler of the Pandyans, feared the Cholas who dominated him. He wanted to maintain friendly relations with Parakaramabahu. Copies of their letters keep ending up with the Cholas ( tipped by the spies from the South Indian community in Lanka who had access to intelligence services in Lanka). If such important and secured Royal messages were passed on to the Cholas, it is not difficult to imagine what other information were being passed on as well. Such betrayals by the traitors of the South Indian community living in Lanka only made Sinhalese become more suspicious of them.

1185 Cholas remove Kulasekera & appoint former king in Pandyan Kingdom Chola general Anna Pallavarayan, who was in the Pandyan Kingdom, on orders from Kulottunga-3, king of Chola, removed Kulasekera based on the information written in these letters. Cholas placed Parakrama Pandya, the young prince of the last Pandyan king, back on the throne.

1186 Parakramabahu's attempt to restore Anuradapura is partly successful : The damage was too huge for one king Completely destroyed by the Chola invaders, jungle had grown over the ruins of the grand buildings. Whole city was full of elephants, leopards and bears. King ParakaramaBahu tried his best to restore Anuradapura. But the task was too huge to be done in a few years. There weren't enough experienced engineers, artists and technicians. Whatever that was restored, would get destroyed again in just 50 years when the northern warlords hired Kalingha Magha.

1186 Death of Parakramabahu He was the Last Great Ruler of Sri Lanka. Although there were dozens of great rulers in Sri Lanka after King Parakramabahu, none of them could match the born talent, capability, and the standards of these Great Sinhalese rulers. King Parakramabahu would be one of the ten Greatest Kings of Sri Lankan history. Thereafter, the political chaos created by the invaders and their collaborators in Lanka wouldn't allow any opportunity for such a leader to emerge.

1187 Assassination of the Bodhisattva King King Parakramabahu didn't have any children. After the death of Great Parakramabahu, his sister's son became the king. He too became a very well-respected king. He was so pious that he was known as a Bodhisattva. Such persons were not able to control the cunning selfish elements that had become so powerful in the Lankan society by this time.

1187 Collapse of the Grand System Within one year, he was assassinated by the corrupt elements. The land and the grand projects, declined in a sudden collapse within 10 years.

1187 Dambulla Raja Maha Viharaya King NissankaMalla turned the caves that sheltered the king Vattagamini in 104 BC, into a major temple.

1187 Saladin takes Jerusalem Crusaders, surrounded from three fronts, replied the Saladin's Army with new counter-tactics. After suffering casualties, Saladin learnt of crusader tactics and introduced new tactics. In May, 1187 he reached Jerusalem. After a five month battle, Latin kingdom of Jerusalem fell on 2nd October. King Guy of Jerusalem and some nobles surrendered and survived. But all the Latin Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller of St John of Jerusalem who chose to fight, were beheaded. Following this, the Lebanese city of Tyre became the only major city in the Crusader hands.

1187 Pope recruits for two years for the next crusade Embarrassed Christian Church campaigned in Europe for two years gathering support for a third crusade. They managed to convince all three most powerful European kings that they also should participate in the next crusade.

1188 Nagadipa Naga Viharaya is restored Around this time, Lankan king did some repair work on the ancient Jambukola temple built by the king Devanampiyatissa. The King added pillars of gold and silver to the temple. King also introduced 73 new golden Budda Statues in to this temple. All these show that the north was definitely under the firm control of the Lankan king when there was peace and prosperity in the country.

1189 3rd crusade : participated by Richard the lion hearted On October 29, 1187, called by the Pope Gregory VIII, the Third Crusade was launched. Three most powerful European Kings led the crusade. They were "the Holy Roman emperor, Frederick I from Germany", "the French king, Philip II" and "the English king, Richard I -The Lion Hearted". With their Royal armies, this was the largest Crusading force since 1095 AD.

1189 Failure of the Third Crusade "The Holy Roman emperor, Frederick I from Germany" died on the way. Most of his troops deserted the crusader army. King Philip and King Richard managed to take a few cities. But they were unable to recapture Jerusalem or most of the former Latin Kingdom. It was here the difference between the rest of the European kings and the likes of Richard the lion-hearted, became evident. King Richard was a true noble statesman. Having heard of the Greatness of Saladin, Richard decided to talk to Saladin directly, in order to put forward his fair case.

1189 Richard the lion-hearted meets Saladin Great King Richard achieved what couldn’t be achieved through war, by talking directly to Saladin. Two honest truly noble leaders, Richard and Saladin met and spoke about the purpose of the crusade. Richard told Saladin that Christians do have a fair right to their Holy land to which fair Saladin agreed. Saladin objected to the missionary exploitation and oppression under the Christian rule by which the Islamic population in the area had suffered. To this Richard agreed. Any history student would be delighted to come across this event in history. Although the Sri Lankan history is full of such great examples, this is one of those rare examples from the world history which proves that humans had truly progressed in life. The lack of knowledge in history had made all the past mistakes to be repeated again, and again. It is so unfortunate that children today do not get to learn these lessons.

1189 A Great Lesson to be learnt from this Discussion It was evident that the power-hungry Muslim political leaders who wanted to expand their area of control, and the religious fanatism of the Christian Church whose ambitious desire to compete with other religions, had caused the war. Fortunately, both Richard and Saladin were men of great wisdom. They were able to realise that. Unfortunately, similar conspirators continue the same devious strategy even today. Religious fanatism, under the disguise of the social service, has become a menace to the non-Christian countries whose communities are struggling to safeguard their age old good values, religions, and cultures. On the other hand, world superpowers driven by their greedy political ambitions, keep installing puppet regimes in those countries by which their traditional institutions including the religion, are corrupted and made worthless. Then the Christian extremists and front organizations in those unfortunate countries are able to criticise these loca l religions, traditions, and cultures and make total fun of them. This is what has been happening in Sri Lanka.

1189 Saladin returns Jerusalem to the Christians Richard managed to negotiate a treaty with Saladin granting Christian pilgrims free access to Jerusalem. Richard also received Saladin's permission to establish a small Latin Kingdom, which was smaller and weaker militarily and economically than the former. (This would last for another century). In October 1192, Richard left Palestine after achieving peace through discussions, friendship and honesty.

1189 A Tribute to the Great Richard the Lion-hearted Unlike other European kings who looked for something for them in the deal, Richard the Lion-Hearted, the truly noble king of England, was honestly committed to the crusade. He was able to spend less than a year, out of his ten-year rule in England. All other times, he was leading his troops against the Muslim armies in the deserts of the middle east. But his courage and honest commitment to the objectives of the crusade made him see the weaknesses of the church and other European allies. He was humane enough, which was a quality of an outstanding truly noble naturally talented leader, to recognise and honour the concerns of the Muslims. These great leadership qualities enabled him to negotiate a fair deal with the equally talented Muslim leader Saladin. By his actions and thoughts he ended the religious fanatism of the Christian Church in the region. Richard the lion-hearted is a hero, even today, in both the European and Islamic worlds. He and Saladin deve loped a trust and a friendship which lasted until their deaths.

1192 Punjab : First permanent Muslim power in India The Islamic Afgan regime had been attacking the northern India for several decades. First permanent Muslim power was established in India as Muslim invaders took Punjab.

1192 Shogun culture develops in Japan Minamoto Yoritomo was a powerful Samurai who conquered Japan by defeating the Taira family in 1185 AD. In 1192 he named himself "the Shogun" ( “The Great General who destroy Barbarians”). Shoguns were military dictators who kept the emperors in Kyoto as figureheads. Local ruling families, their Samurais, and Buddhist monks were all loyal to Shogun rule.

1192 Combat trained Buddhist Monks wearing the Body Armour Security in Japan at the time was so bad that no one was safe on the road or within their premises. Even Buddhist monks lived in fortified monasteries. They even wore protective armour and fought battles. The advantage of the skills of the Buddhist monks became useful when the Mongols invaded Japan in 1274 and 1281. It was these Buddhist monks who, along with Samurai, fought the invader on the beach with success. This is something the Sri Lankan Buddhist monks should also have practised. During the 30 invasions, they were not able to defend Lanka as they didn't know the art of fighting.

1193 Delhi falls to the Muslims

1196 Shortest reign in Lankan history When king NissankaMalla died, his son Virabahu became king ONLY for a day. He was probably assassinated. After him there were no kings for a period of 20 years. Then the youngest brother of the King NissankaMalla became the king. He too was assassinated in 3 months. These were the times where the selfish corrupt elements of the Lankan society whether as Sinhalese or foreigners, were very powerful among the social elite. The good Lankans who believed in the National philosophy, had become a minority among the Social elite.

1196 Coming of Ghengis khan In 1196 AD, in the Asian plains, near Lake Baikal in Russia, a son was born to a powerful Mongolian chief. He was named Temujin. His father died when he was 13.

1196 Secrets of Ghengis Khan's fighters He trained his fighters to become excellent horsemen and archers. He designed a well-disciplined army who would attack, withdraw or die in Unisom. He trained his troops to respond to excellent timing in their actions.

1198 Most powerful Pope in History Pope Innocent III was the most powerful Pope in history. He influenced and unofficially ruled the European Kings. Pope was called the King of all the kings. He interfered in European politics like no other Pope had done before.

1199 END of Buddhism in India In 1199 AD, Muslim invaders slaughtered the monks and burnt the great Buddhist university Nalanda with it's library. That was the end of Buddhism in India. Since 528 BC, through ups and downs Buddhism had survived for 1728 years in India. From here onwards it was Sri Lanka that shouldered the historical responsiblity handed over by Emperor Asoka.

1200 Chola power begins to decline Cholas who had made only enemies and collaborators in the whole region, began to decline as a major power in South India around this time. Without colonies to rob from, they were nothing more than just another kingdom. They will disappear from history in just 79 years.

1200 Exact Date of a king coming to power An inscription in Polonnaruwa gives the date, Wednesday, 23rd August, 1200 AD as the date King Sahassamaalla became the king of Lanka.

1204 Venice : Strongest European Power in the Mediterranean As Attila turned back without capturing Italy, some of the displaced native refugees of north-eastern Italy, continued to live in the islands, marshes, and lagoons where they took chelter from Attila. This settlement grew connecting 120 islands created by the 177 canals by 400 bridges. By 991, this independant republic of Venice became the greatest commercial centre for trade with the East due to the Venetian policy of trading with the Muslim powers rather than fighting them. In 1204, the weakening of the Byzantine Empire made Venice politically the strongest European power in the Mediterranean. By 1400 AD, Venice was the leading maritime power in the Christian world. Through the 15th century, Turkish invasions ended the Venetian supremacy. By 1500, discovery of sea route to India was crippling blow. In 1508 the Holy Roman Empire, the pope, France, and Spain together captured Venice. In 1797 the Venetian Republic was captured and ended by Napoleon.

1204 Church & the Corrupt merchants attack the East Roman Empire The Church didn't like the Orthodox version of Christianity practised in the East Roman Empire. The wealthy merchants of Venice ( The most developed European city) wanted to steal the trade profits enjoyed by the East Roman empire. These two joined hands together against the East Roman Empire. The end of the East Roman Empire, ( also called the Byzantine Empire), came not from the Muslims, but from the greedy western Christians themselves. They would call this the Fourth Crusade.

1204 Fourth Crusade is the First against fellow Christians : Crusaders take Constantinople from the East Roman Empire The Crusaders and the Venetians on the fourth crusade conquered the city of Constantinople, the capital of the East Roman Empire. Then the crusaders and the Venetians robbed the people without any shame to "recover the cost of the war". The East Roman Empire was renamed as "the Latin Empire of Constantinople". This survived until 1261 AD when the Byzantine emperor Michael VIII Palaeologus retook the city from the crusaders. The greedy crusaders of the fourth crusade did not even come close to the military success of the 3rd Crusade. They only plundered the city of Constantinople.

1204 ill-discipline of the crusaders, allows Muslim invasions As the Crusaders turned their attention to plundering the Christian Constantinople, the Muslim leaders of the Islamic states in the region took advantage. Their large Muslim armies swept through the demoralised Christian strongholds in the Middle East.

1206 Mongol tribes unite under Ghengis Khan ( They will form the largest empire in the world) This talented young Mongol chief, cleverly and ruthlessly destroyed all other power-hungry leaders of the Mongol tribes. In 1206 representatives of Mongol tribes met at Karakorum in Outer Mongolia. They agreed to unite under the leadership of Genghis Khan. He was then named "the supreme leader", or Genghis Khan. Their first target would be the prosperous China under the Song dynasty. He made Mongols a formidable nation and established the largest empire in the world.

1206 Qualities of Ghengis Khan He was a born leader, clever both in the art of warfare and in the politics. He always kept a group of wise and knowledgeable advisors around him. With them he engaged in brain storming sessions before taking important decisions.

1206 Secrets of Ghengis Khan's fighters He designed tactics to move armies as large as 200,000 troops in great control. He trained his fighters to become excellent horsemen and archers. He designed a well-disciplined army who would attack, withdraw or die in Unisom. He trained his troops to respond to excellent timing in their actions. He maintained rare and exceptional discipline in combat. He demanded loyalty from his officers. He coupled them with his own brilliant military strategy.

1208 First Christian Crusade against the Europeans In 1208, Pope Innocent III who was the history's most powerful Pope, called for a Crusade against a religious cult named Albigenses in southern France. This was the first crusade in the Western Europe itself. It was a terrible war which lasted for 20 years. Finally the Pope's crusaders brought the Albigenses under the Pope's control.

1208 North India becomes Islamic First Muslim Sultan of Delhi was announced. Urdu language was developed as a mix of the Muslim and local Indian languages.

1208 A 5-month old Baby boy as King : Good General Ayasmanta keeps the land together The ministers declared a five month old baby prince as the king. A good General named Ayasmanta ruled the country on behalf of the baby king. He was an experienced leader who had served two previous kings. He tried very hard to continue the work of Great Parakaramabahu. But the Cholas invaded again, interrupting his recovery work.

1208 19th invasion : Shortest Invasion of all time - Cholas rule for ONLY 17 days A Warlord named Mahadipada Anikanga led Chola Invasion. General Ayasmantha was killed in action while fighting the invader to defend the country. Victorious Chola invaders entered the Royal palace and killed the baby king who was yet to celebrate his first birthday, in cold blood. But these Cholas would rule only for just 17 days. The survivors of the Lankan army will hit back from Ruhuna.

1209 General Manakka Senevi liberates the country within 17 days Under the good General Manakka Senevi, the survivors of the Lankan Army regrouped in Ruhuna and hit back. They isolated the Chola army units by luring them away from Anuradapura. The patriots outnumbered invaders. Finally, General Manakka Senevi stormed the Royal palace crushing the last resistance. He fought the Chola warlord Mahadipada Anikanga face to face and killed the South Indian Warlord. That was the end of the shortest invasion in Lankan history. There is no evidence to show that the Chola king ordered this invasion.

1209 A Classic Example for the Selfless patriotism and the Lack of Power-hunger of the true Sinhalese Nobles The good General Manakka Senevi who liberated the country, invited Lilavati, the widow of Great ParakramaBahu to be the Queen of Lanka. He could have easily become the king and have had his family rule Lanka for generations. But he decided that Queen Lilavati was the true heir. ( She had been the Queen for three years from 1197-1200. Then she had handed over the throne to Sahassamalla, the half brother of Nissankamalla, because he could do the job better.) Such was the typical selfless attitude of the Sinhalese nobles towards the fact that who should be the king or the Queen. It was these outstanding attitudes, which the foreigners failed to understand, that made Lanka a developed country.

1210 20th invasion- Unhappy Selfish, Corrupt elements hire Warlord Lokesvara from South India The return of the National philosophy under good Sinhalese leaders, frightened the selfish corrupt elements in Lanka. They planned to destroy the good Sinhalese system again. On the record is the fact that some greedy merchants and South Indians in Lanka, sponsored an invasion. They hired a South Indian Warlord named Lokesvara. He arrived and grabbed power with his South Indian private army. He ruled for nine months with the support of the unpatriotic selfish and corrupt elements, which included both the greedy merchants and some members of the South Indian community in Lanka. They benefited from the invader's rule, at the expense of the country and the people. Fortunately another Lankan army General named Parakrama was regrouping the defeated Lankan Army and the patriots in Ruhuna jungles.

1211 General Parakrama liberates Lanka in 9 months The good army General Parakrama was renown for his courage and wisdom. Within nine months he led the regrouped Lankan Army out from the jungles of Ruhuna. They chased the South Indian invaders away from Lanka.

1211 True Noble Qualities of the Sinhalese Again, Instead of grabbing the throne, he invited the queen Lilavati ( wife of Parakramabahu) to rule for the third time. Such were the noble principles of the true Sinhala aristocrats, who had to prove their worthiness to be a noble in deeds and thoughts.

1212 Queen for the 3rd time : Queen Lilavati She could rule only 7 months. The unhappy corrupt and selfish elements continued their conspiracies.

1212 Traitors invite the Pandyans again The corrupt and selfish elements realised that South Indian Warlords and their private armies, were not powerful enough to defeat the Sinhalese patriots. Twice within 3 years, the patriotic Sinhalese had successfully chased the invaders out. They approached someone with bigger resources. In seven months, an ungrateful Pandyan king would invade Lanka again.

1212 Unbelievable treachery by Pandyan King 50 years ago the Cholas had massacred the Pandyan Royal family except Parakrama Pandu, the son of the king. Responding to their pleas, King Parakramabahu despatched Sinhala army units to fight on behalf of the Pandyans. Thousands of Sinhalese boys had sacrificed their lives to defend the Pandyans against the Cholas and their rebels. Sinhala army earned the crown for Parakrama Pandu so that he could become the king of the Pandyans. He forgot all these sacrifices in just 50 years.

1213 Why the patriotic Sinhalese never trust the South Indians? By this time the ungrateful Pandyans had forgotten all the terrible sacrifices made by Lanka to help them against the Chola invasions. At this time, Cholas were a vanishing weak kingdom. Cholas were not a threat to the Pandyans anymore. Ungrateful Pandyans obviously had no need for Sinhala help now. When the agents of the selfish corrupt elements approached the Pandyan king to invade Sri Lanka, Pandyans obviously thought that it was the time to loot and have fun again. The minority elements have accused the Sinhalese of never trusting them. The deep mistrust the victimised Sinhalese have towards the foreigners are based on such unbelievable let downs and treachery. Even today the minority political and religious leaders are doing nothing different. Whenever they have their way, they have let the Sinhalese down by perusing own interests rather than looking at the whole picture.

1213 21st Invasion - by ungrateful Pandyan king: In 2 years when KalingaMagha invaded, Sinhalese had no army to defend themselves The large Pandyan army who had prior knowledge of all intelligence, easily wiped out the small Lankan army. Ungrateful Pandyan king Parakrama Pandu grabbed the throne and managed to rule the whole country for three years. Today's Eelamists claim such invader's rule as "a Tamil rule of Lanka", to justify a homeland in Lanka. In two years when Kalinga Magha invaded, Sinhalese had NO ARMY to defend themselves. Magha and the Lankan power-hungry South Indians who invited him, were free to kill, molest, and burn as they pleased. That was why the Kanligha Maghas invasion was so frightening.

1214 Ghengis Khan breaks through the Great Chinese Wall He crossed the Great Wall in 1214 and then conquered the Manchus, who were descendants of the Mongol tribes who had entered China long time ago.

1215 Genghis Khan takes Beijing Nine years after their tribal unification, Genghis Khan's Mongol army invaded and took the Jin dynasty's capital at Beijing in 1215. This was the end of the Jin Dynasty. After Beijing surrendered, Ghengis Khan destroyed the city to the ground. Then he slowly took the rest of North China. The south under the Song dynasty was taken, despite their use of gun powder, in 1279, under Kublai Khan, grandson of Genghis, as the leader, after 40 years of war.

1215 Ghengis khan conquers Asia He then turned westward in order to grab the trade on the silk route. He savagely conquered Turkey, Persia (Iran & Iraq), North India, and Afghanistan. His fearless troops were notorious for looting and massacres. He had made his troops master the superb horsemanship, expert archery, and exceptional combat discipline. He demanded loyalty from his officers. He coupled them with his own brilliant military strategy. That was the secret of his unbelievable success against the superpowers of the world.

1215 Powerful Social Elite rebel against the powers of the British King Barons, the social elite of Britain, were unhappy with their king. King dared to impose strict taxes even on th elite. King abused his Royal and feudal privileges. The Barons united against the king. They prepared a charter demanding guaranteed rights for the elite, a judiciary free of Royal interference, and the trade activities to be free of Royal restrictions. King refused. Barons rebelled against the king and captured London.

1215 Magna Charter : Protection of the Social Elite from the King King was forced to agree to the demands of the elite on 15th June, at Runnymede, near Windsor. It is considered the basis of English constitutional liberties. It was the first detailed European definition of the relationship between the king and the barons, guaranteed rights under feudalism, and regulations of the judicial system. The charter restricted the King's ability to act without the consent of the elite. Business was protected from the king's interference. The Judiciary was given strict rules of procedure and convictions were to be on credible evidence, not on rumour or suspicion.

1215 The Reality of the Magna Charter Many admirers of the British and the western world have advertised that Magna Charter was a pioneer in civil rights which protected the masses from the King. But a closer look reveals that in practice, it was intended for, and best worked, to the protection of the elite against the king, rather than protecting the masses from the ruling class.

1215 Was A Magna Charter needed in Lanka ? Many anti-Buddhist elements today are doing everything possible to destroy the credibility of the great Sinhalese System in order to achieve their religious and ethnic interests in Lanka. One of their biggest attacks is aimed, very unfairly, against the Sinhalese kings. There was a HUGE difference between the good Sinhala kings and the other kings in the world. Sinhala Kings ruled under a National philosophy, and were not free to change that on their own. There was no need for the ruling elite or the masses to seek protection from a good Sinhala king. It was the selfish corrupt elements of the ruling elite who were the problem to all other Lankans.

1215 Sinhalese in Jaffna protest against the South Indians extremists The power hungry South Indian extremists were using all sorts of factors including racism, to grab power in the north. They destabilised the whole region with unfair demands and civil disobedience campaigns. These undoubtedly affected the non-South Indian population in the north. Sinhalese who were the natives of Lanka, didn't approve of racism at all. By this time the Sinhalese in Jaffna had learnt to protest against the deliberate ethnic colonisation and the destabilisation of the country.

1215 In Jaffna, Constant Clashes between the South Indian thugs & the Patriots Eelamists claim that many South Indians in Jaffna started to migrate back to South India due to constant clashes between the armed South Indian thugs and patriotic Sinhalese living in Jaffna. Sinhalese in Jaffna by this time, were protesting against the racism.

1215 South Indian extremists are disappointed under the Pandyan rule The South Indian extremists in Lanka who had invited the Pandyan invaders, expected the invader to weaken the Sinhalese so that they can gain power, colonise and build up a racist state that was free of the Sinhalese. But to their disappointment they realised that the Pandyans were now ruling Lanka including the north as well. This was not what they expected. They had to hire someone else to get rid of the Pandyans. Any student of history would feel so much for the plight of such a great country at this point of history. That is the Sorry Sad Tale of Sri Lanka.

1215 Who was Kalingha Magha ? At this time, Magha was a General in the state of Kalinga in South India. He was a veteran who had fought against the Pandyans in the last Chola war against the Pandyans. He had personally taken notice of Lanka's support to the Pandyans during that war. He had reasons to destroy both the Pandyans and the Sinhalese. He was the ideal Warlord to be hired to invade Lanka as the Pandyan invaders were ruling Lanka at this time. Magha was studying politics in Madurai at this time.

1215 Malavan Conspiracy: South Indian extremists hire Kanligha Magha Some power-hungry South Indian extremists in Lanka, sent a person named Malavan,( who was the son of a Selvarajah living in Pompattiyur of Pandyan Kingdom), to see Kalinga Magha. These cunning traitors reminded him of Lanka's support to the Pandyans. ( Actually it was the influential South Indian themselves who had pressurised the Lankan king to help the Pandyans who they considered to be their South Indian brothers.) They invited Kalingha Magha to take over the crown of Jaffna. South Indian extremists in Jaffna had direct access to Lanka's defence system through the Tamil Generals and soldiers and officials serving in multi-cultural Lanka.