The inception of the Kingdom of Tambapaṇṇī marked a significant chapter in the history of Sri Lanka, serving as the first Sinhalese kingdom on the island. Established in 543 BC and enduring until 437 BC, Tambapaṇṇī's administrative hub was situated at Tambapaṇṇī, and its founding is attributed to Prince Vijaya and his followers, as chronicled in the Mahavamsa.

The name Tambapaṇṇī has its roots in Tāmraparṇī or Tāmravarṇī in Sanskrit, signifying the color of copper or bronze. This nomenclature originates from the red dust that coated the hands and feet of Vijaya and his followers upon landing in Sri Lanka. The city founded at this significant site was aptly named Tambapaṇṇī, and a derivative of this name, Taprobane, found its way into Greek terminology.

The historical backdrop of Tambapaṇṇī reveals little about Sri Lanka before 600 BC, with ancient grave sites predating this period. The Mahāvamsa traces the island's inhabitants back to the mythical Yakkha and Nāga races before the Bengali migration. The recorded history of Sinhalese in Sri Lanka commences in 543 BC with the arrival of Prince Vijaya, according to traditional accounts.

Legend surrounds Prince Vijaya's arrival, as he kissed the island's shores, naming it 'Thambapanni,' and planted a lion-adorned flag. The historical events are depicted in the renowned 'Sanchi' ruins of India. After landing, Vijaya encountered Kuveni, the disguised queen of the Yakkhas, marking a pivotal moment in the kingdom's early narrative.

Founded by Prince Vijaya and 700 followers, Tambapaṇṇī's capital was established near modern-day Mannar, believed to be in the Chilaw district. Vijaya designated Tambapaṇṇī as the capital, and the entire island became synonymous with this name. Initially governed by Yakkhas, with their queen Kuveni, and a capital at Sirīsavatthu, Tambapaṇṇī underwent a significant shift.

The kingdom's second capital, Upatissagāma, emerged about seven or eight miles north of Tambapaṇṇī. Established by Upatissa, a devoted follower and senior minister of Vijaya, this city played a crucial role in the kingdom's history. As Vijaya faced challenges in selecting a successor, he sent an invitation to his brother Sumitta in Sinhapura, his ancestral city, but fate intervened, leading to Upatissa assuming the throne for a year after Vijaya's passing.