 The Kingdom of Tambapaṇṇī was founded by Prince Vijaya, the first Sinhalese King, and 700 of his followers after landing in Sri Lanka in an area near modern-day Mannar, which is believed to be the district of Chilaw.It is recorded that Vijaya made his landing on the day of Buddha's death.Vijaya claimed Tambapaṇṇī as his capital and soon the whole island became known by this name.