Valagamba of Anuradhapura
Valagamba, also known as the Great Black Lion, Wattagamani Abhaya and Valagambahu, was a king of the Anuradhapura Kingdom of Sri Lanka. Five months after becoming king, he was overthrown by a rebellion and an invasion from South India, but regained the throne by defeating the invaders fourteen years later. He is also known for the construction of the Abhayagiri Dagaba.
The Abhayagiri Stupa, built by Valagamba
Anuradhapura Kingdom, named for its capital city, was the second established kingdom in ancient Sri Lanka related to the Sinhalese people. According to the Mahāvaṃsa, it was founded by King Pandukabhaya in 437 BC, whose authority extended throughout the country.
The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi today, to which the Kingdom was offered by Devanampiya Tissa.
Ambassador from Sri Lanka (獅子國 Shiziguo) to China (Liang dynasty), Wanghuitu (王会图), circa 650 CE
Ancient coins belonging to the Anuradhapura period on display at the museum of Anuradhapura.
Bronze imitation of a Roman coin, Sri Lanka, 4th-8th century