King Parakramabahu VI

Parakramabahu VI (1412–1467) is the last king to unify the entire island, ruling from Kotte for 55 years. His reign represents a renaissance: he reconquered the northern Jaffna kingdom, patronized Sinhalese literature (fostering a literary golden age), and maintained robust regional irrigation. His court became a cultural center, producing major poetic and historical works. His death marked the end of island-wide unity; subsequent kings ruled only the southwest lowlands.