Reclining Buddha at Polonnaruwa. Photo and Text by Siri
Polonnaruwa was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century, with only a dozen rulers.(Anuradhapura was the capital for 1,400 years with 123 kings). The ruins of Polonnaruwa, therefore, are in much better state of preservation.
Anuradhapura, the capital, fell to the invading Cholas (from India) in the 11th century who set up their capital in Polonnaruwa. Late 11th century, King Vijayabahu I, captured the city from the invaders and set up his capital there. The remainder of his regime he spent developing the city and its surroundings.

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