Devanampiya Tissa

Devanampiya Tissa received a Buddhist mission sent by Emperor Ashoka of India, led by Ashoka's son Mahinda. The mission introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka, and Tissa embraced the faith, becoming the first Sri Lankan king to convert to Buddhism.

Devanampiya Tissa established the Mahavihara monastery in Anuradhapura, which became the center of Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The monastery housed the Mahinda Thera and became a major center for Buddhist learning and monastic life.

Devanampiya Tissa built the Thuparamaya Stupa in Anuradhapura, the first Buddhist stupa in Sri Lanka. It was constructed to enshrine the collarbone relic of the Buddha, which was brought from India. The stupa became a major pilgrimage site.

Devanampiya Tissa received a sapling of the Bodhi Tree from Ashoka's daughter, Sanghamitta, who brought it to Sri Lanka. He planted the sapling in the Mahameghavana Park in Anuradhapura, where it grew into the Sri Maha Bodhi, one of the oldest living trees.