Topic summary
Mahasena of Anuradhapura
Therevada Buddhism (later)
Mahasena, also known in some records as Mahasen, was a king of Sri Lanka who reigned from 273 to 301 AD. He initiated the construction of large tanks (reservoirs) in Sri Lanka, ultimately building sixteen of them. Early in his reign, Mahasena discriminated against Theravāda Buddhists and destroyed several of their temples, including the Mahavihara, the principal Theravāda monastery. However, guided by his chief minister, he sought reconciliation by constructing the Jethavana stupa.