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Tissa, later Devanampiya Tissa (, ), also known as Devanape Tis (, ), 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 Maurya Empire Emperor Ashoka. The primary source for his reign is the Mahavamsa, which in turn is based on the more ancient Dipavamsa.
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. The chronicle also mentions Tissa sending gifts to the mighty emperor of the Maurya; in reply, Ashoka sent not only gifts but also the news that he had converted to Buddhism, and a plea to Tissa to adopt the faith as well. The king does not appear to have done this at the time, instead adopting the name Devānaṃpiya "Beloved of the Gods"See, e.g., Keown, Hodge & Tinti (2003), p. 72, entry for 'Devānampiya Tissa,' where it is translated as 'dear to the gods'. and having himself consecrated King of Lanka in a lavish celebration.
Devanampiyatissa is traditionally said to have been succeeded by his younger brothers Uttiya and Mahasiva. His other brother Mahanaga, Prince of Ruhuna was the founder of the Principality of Ruhuna.
According to the Mahavamsa King Devanampiyatissa was out enjoying a hunt with some 40,000 of his soldiers near a mountain called Mihintale. The date for this is traditionally associated with the full moon day of the month of Poson.
Having come to the foot of Missaka, Devanampiyatissa chased a stag into the thicket, and came across Mahinda (referred to with the honorific title Thera); the Mahavamsa has the great king 'terrified' and convinced that the Thera was in fact a 'yakka', or demon. However, Thera Mahinda declared that 'Recluses we are, O great King, disciples of the King of Dharma (Gautama Buddha) Out of compassion for you alone have we come here from Jambudvipa'. Devanampiyatissa recalled the news from his friend Ashoka and realised that these are missionaries sent from India. Mahinda wanted to test the intelligence of the king so he asked him these questions:
Thera Mahinda went on to preach to the king's company and preside over the king's conversion to Buddhism.
What is fairly certain however is that the site of his initial meeting with Thera Mahinda is one of Sri Lanka's most sacred sites today, going by the name Mihintale. The sacred precinct features the Ambasthala, or 'Mango tree stupa', where Thera Mahinda asked the king a series of riddles to check his capacity for learning,Mahanama Thera. "XIV - The Entry into the Capital" . The Mahavamsa. Translated by Wilhelm Geiger. Retrieved 25 July 2020. the cave in which Thera Mahinda lived for over forty years, and the Maha Seya, wherein is contained a relic of the Buddha.
The other major site associated with Devanampiyatissa's reign is the planting of the Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura. The tree was yet another of Emperor Ashoka gifts to the island and was planted within the precincts of Anuradhapura, and is regarded as the oldest human planted tree in the world.
Devanampiyatissa built Tissa Wewa, which covers 550 acres. The embankment alone is 2 miles long and 25 feet high. It is a major irrigation tank even today and is an essential resource for farmers in Anuradhapura.
| Name | Date of construction | Description |
| First historical Stupa which enshrined the right collar bone of the Buddha. | ||
| Maha viharaya | First and large magnitude of viharaya built. | |
| Cetiya Viharaya | Mahinda Thera and the other monks use the premise during rainy weather. | |
| Hatthalhaka Viharaya | For the use of nuns when other temples exceed. | |
| Isurumuniya | Location which the regent prince Maharitta and 500 more aristocrats were ordained. | |
| Jambukola Viharaya | Constructed in historical region of Rajarata. | |
| Kala pasada parivena | Building was used by monk Mahinda. | |
| Loha pasada | After the destruction of the building the brazen palace was built as a replacement. | |
| Mahinda’s cave | Mahinda used this place to rest. | |
| Pacinarama | Location where the Bo tree was kept before returning to Anuradhapura. | |
| Pathama cetiya | First Buddhist structure built on the island on the location where Mahinda landed. | |
| Tissamaharama Maha Vihara | One of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka. | |
| Tissa wewa | Reservoir. |
The Great Chronicle of Sri Lanka
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