Anuradhapura
The first capital city of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura was initiated by King Pandukabhaya in 377 BC and was the model city of the globe and envy of monarchs overseas. This city remained capital for a period of 1200 years and was ruled by Sinhala (Sri Lankan) and Indian Kings periodically.
The city of Anuradhapura well planned and operated with an excellent administrative system where Agriculture and public welfare were considered priority. Many artificial lakes were built to accumulate rain water for the purpose of irrigating fields in the dry season. Hospitals, public sanitary services were set up for social welfare. With the advent of Buddhism temples and monasteries were built for the spreading the faith of Buddhism.
This is where Buddhism was first introduced to the island and it is also referred to as the Cradle of Buddhism. The sapling of the Bo (Ficus religiosa) tree under which the Buddha was enlightened was planted in Anuradhapura and still exists, making it the oldest historically documented tree in the whole world.
Although the city of Anuradhapura is today a city of modern civil activity, the ancient city and its ruins are well preserved and protected for public observation and study.
