Introduction
King Tulatthana was the second son of King Saddhatissa and a ruler who reigned for a short period in the Anuradhapura Kingdom. His reign lasted for only one month and ten days, ending when his elder brother, Prince Lajjitissa, deposed him from the throne.
Ascension to the Throne and Brief Reign
After the demise of King Saddhatissa, his second son, Prince Tulatthana, ascended the throne of Anuradhapura. King Tulatthana’s rule was limited to a very short period. History records that he reigned for only one month and ten days, approximately forty days. During this brief period, he did not have the opportunity to undertake significant changes or development projects.
Loss of the Throne
With King Tulatthana’s ascension to the throne, issues regarding royal succession arose. His elder brother, Prince Lajjitissa, who was then in Digamadulla, came to Anuradhapura upon learning of King Tulatthana’s coronation. Prince Lajjitissa then took steps to depose King Tulatthana and claim the royal inheritance. Thus, King Tulatthana’s brief reign abruptly ended, and Prince Lajjitissa became the new ruler of Anuradhapura.
Legacy
Due to King Tulatthana’s very short reign, he did not have the opportunity to achieve any major victories or undertake any significant constructions. His name is recorded in the chronicles of Sri Lanka as the immediate successor to King Saddhatissa and the predecessor to King Lajjitissa. His story provides an example of the struggles for royal succession in Sri Lankan history.