Origins & Early Life

Tissa, later Devanampiya Tissa (Sinhala: දේවානම්පිය තිස්ස, lit. 'Loved by Gods', [ˈdeːʋaːnampijə t̪issə]), also known as Devanape Tis (Sinhala: දෙවනපෑ තිස්, [ˈdeʋənəpǣ t̪is]), was one of the earliest kings of Sri Lanka based at the ancient capital of Anuradhapura. According to the traditional chronology, he ruled from 307 BC to 267 BC, but the modified chronology adopted by modern scholars such as Wilhelm Geiger assigns his reign to 247 BC to 207 BC. His reign was notable for the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka under the aegis of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka the Great.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The primary source for his reign is the Mahavamsa, which in turn is based on the more ancient Dipavamsa. Tissa was the second son of Mutasiva of Anuradhapura. The Mahavamsa describes him as being "foremost among all his brothers in virtue and intelligence". The Mahavamsa mentions an early friendship with Ashoka. Chapter IX of the chronicle mentions that "the two monarchs, Devanampiyatissa and Dharmasoka, already had been friends a long time, though they had never seen each other", Dharmasoka being an alternate name for Ashoka.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The chronicle also mentions Tissa sending gifts to the mighty emperor of the Maurya...

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