Parakramabahu I (Sinhala: ??? ???????????? Maha Parakramabahu (Parakramabahu the Great) 1123-1186) was king of Sri Lanka from 1153 to 1186. During his reign from the capital at Polonnaruwa; he unified the three sub kingdoms of the island; becoming one of the last monarchs in Sri Lankan history to do so.

Parakramabahu I oversaw the expansion and beautification of his capital; constructed extensive irrigation systems; reorganized the country's army; reformed Buddhist practices; encouraged the arts and undertook military campaigns in southern India and in Myanmar.

Polonnaruwa; the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms; was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I; who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 CE to reunite the country under a national leader. Pictures From Asia David Henley