The most valuable source of knowledge for scholars probing the legends and historical heritage of Sri Lanka is still the Mahavamsa (Great Genealogy or Dynasty), a chronicle compiled in Pali, the language of Theravada Buddhism, in the sixth century.

Buddhist monks compose the Mahavamsa, which is an adaptation of an earlier and cruder fourth century epic, the Dipavamsa (Island Genealogy or Dynasty).

The latter account, compiled to glorify Buddhism, is not a comprehensive narrative of events.

The Mahavamsa, however, relates the rise and fall of successive Buddhist kingdoms beginning with Vijaya, the legendary colonizer of Sri Lanka and primogenitor of the Sinhalese migrant group.

In the Mahavamsa, Vijaya is described as having arrived on the island on the day of the Buddha's death (parinibbana) or, more precisely, his nirvana or nibbana, his release from the cycle of life and pain.

The Mahavamsa also lavishes praise on the Sinhalese kings who repulsed attacks by Indian Tamils.