ANCIENT EDUCATION INSTITUTES IN THE KOTTE PERIOD: EVIDENCE FROM THE GIRA SANDESAYA

Abstract

Sri Lanka is a country rich in education and literary traditions. The education and literature of ancient Sri Lanka were at a high peak during the kingdoms of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kurunegala. However, during the later dynasties, especially after the Kurunegala period, education and literary activities were not significant due to political unrest, foreign invasion, and volatility in the economic, political, and administrative aspects of the country. However, Sri Lanka regained prosperity as a united nation after King Parakkramabahu VI came to power in the 15th century based in the city of Kotte. The royal patronage of King Parakkramabahu VI boosted the educational and literary activities during the period. Hence, the Kotte period was identified as a golden era of literary and educational activities in ancient Sri Lanka before the Western powers conquered the country. Due to notable scholarly monks and education institutes, the academic activities were at an outstanding level. The main objective of this study is to investigate the well-known education institutes available in the Kotte period based on Sandesa poetry. The present study is limited to Vijayaba Pirivena in Totagamuwa, and narration given in the Gira Sandesaya on the Vijayaba Pirivena is used as the primary source for the study. Gira Sandesaya narrated the academic activities, student life, and subjects taught at the Vijayaba Pirivena. The guidance of Totagamuwe Sri Rahula Thero, the prominent scholarly monk who lived in the Kotte period, and the royal patronage received from the great King Parakkramabhau VI lifted the Vijayaba Pirivena in a key position and considered as one of the leading education institutes in the Kotte period as well as in the education history of ancient Sri Lanka.