Tissa, later Devanampiyatissa, c. 247 BC - 207 BC, was one of the earliest rulers of Sri Lanka based at the ancient capital of Anuradhapura. His reign was notable for the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka under the aegis of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. The primary source for his reign is the Mahavamsa, which in turn is based on the more ancient Dipavamsa. Reign Tissa was the second son of Mutasiva, king of Anuradhapura. The Mahavamsa describes him as being 'foremost among all his brothers in virtue an… (More on Devanampiyatissa)