Dambadeniya

Known as the cradle of Sinhala culture. Situated a short distance from Kurunegala, this ancient city was chosen as the Royal capital in the  12^th century AD, after Pollonnaruwa came under repeated invasion from the  North. King  Vijayabahu 111 established the Dambadeniya dynasty after repulsing the invaders He built a citadel on the Rock and fortified it with ramparts and moats. Still visible are the foundations of the Royal palace, court yards, and the Temple of the sacred tooth Relic. Dambadeniya reached the Zenith of its glory under the rule of Parakramabahu 11. Whose works of poetry and literature are a important part of the nation’s ancient arts.