| Vijayabahu III | |
|---|---|
| King of Dambadeniya | |
| Reign | 1232- 1236 |
| Predecessor | Kingdom established |
| Successor | Parakkamabahu II |
| Issue | Parakkamabahu II |
| House | House of Siri Sanga Bo |
| Religion | Theravada Buddhism |
Vijayabahu III was the first King of Dambadeniya, who ruled from 1232- 1236. He was a member of the Sinhala Royal Family who began the Siri Sanga Bo dynasty, he was succeeded by his son Parakkamabahu II. Before he became the king of Dambadeniya, he was a ruler of a small province – a Vanni chieftain.[1] Vijayabahu III brought the relic of the tooth of the Buddha to Dambadeniya – after it was hidden in Kotmale with the invasion of Kalinga Magha – and was placed in the Beligala Temple of Tooth.[2] At that time, people of Dambadeniya considered the possession of the aforementioned relic, a clear indication that Vijayabahu III was the rightful King of Dambadeniya.