Valagamba

Valagamba was expelled from Anuradhapura by Tamil invaders from South India, led by five Dravidian chiefs. He fled to the mountains and lived in exile for 14 years, during which he organized resistance against the invaders.

After 14 years of exile, Valagamba raised an army and defeated the Tamil rulers, recovering the throne of Anuradhapura. He re-established Sinhalese rule and restored the kingdom's independence.

Valagamba built the Abhayagiri Vihara monastery in Anuradhapura after recovering his throne. The monastery became a major center of Buddhist learning and a rival to the Mahavihara, fostering the development of the Abhayagiri sect.