Also called Gajabáhu; king of Ceylon (174-96 A.C.); son of Vankanásika-Tissa. He founded the Mátu Vihára in honour of his mother, made additions to the Abhayagiri Cetiya, constructed the Gamanitissa tank, and built the Rámuka Vihára and the Mahejásana-sálá (Mhv.xxxv.115ff; Dpv.xxii.13, 28,29).
In later chronicles be is credited with having invaded the Cola kingdom to avenge a raid made on Ceylon and with having introduced the cult of the goddess Pattini into Ceylon. See Codrington, Short History of Ceylon, pp.23f.