King Parakramabahu I

King Parakramabahu I, who ruled Sri Lanka from 1153 to 1186, was a powerful and ambitious monarch known for unifying the island and initiating large-scale engineering projects. He prioritized irrigation and agriculture, transforming the landscape with extensive reservoirs and canals to support farming and ensure food security. His reign saw significant cultural and religious development, and he is remembered for strong leadership that strengthened Sri Lanka’s stability and prosperity. His efforts laid the foundation for the island’s economic and cultural growth during the medieval period.