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From glorious kingdoms to foreign rule Source:Sundaytimes Renowned archaeologist Dr. Senarat Paranavitana in his book ‘Sinhalayo’ details the beginning of the decline of Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms From the beginning of the fourteenth century, the ancient irrigation system was gradually neglected. The lands which were irrigated by it relapsed into jungle, and the bulk of the population in these areas either perished of warfare, sickness and famine or moved into other areas. The ancient capitals, Anuradhapura and Polonnaru, were deserted and the splendid monuments with which they were adorned became the prey of the advancing jungle tide. The Gadaldeniya temple: A 14th century architectural monument The seats of Sinhalese royalty were shifted to the mountainous regions in the centre of the island or the western seaboard. The mainstay of the economy of the state after the twelfth century was cinnamon, for which Arab merchants visited the shores of the Island.  ...