The selection of Dambadeniya as the capital by King Vijayabahu III marked a crucial historical turning point. This decision, made in response to the disruptive actions of the invader Kalinga Magha, facilitated the reunification of the scattered Sangha. King Vijayabahu III's noteworthy accomplishment included hosting a Buddhist convention in 1226, aiming to restore harmony within the Buddhist clergy and establish peace.

Succeeding King Vijayabahu III, the throne passed to the highly esteemed King Parakramabahu II. Recognized as a brilliant monarch, he distinguished himself as a great poet and prolific writer, with the notable work "Kausilumina" standing out as a literary masterpiece. King Parakramabahu II's most significant achievement was the unification of the three kingdoms within Sri Lanka during his reign.

The reign of King Bosath Vijayabahu, the eldest son of King Parakramabahu II, began in 1270. Known for his modest demeanor and devout religious practices, he tragically met his demise in the second year of his rule at the hands of Minister Miththa.

Following the untimely death of Vijayabahu, Bhuvanekabahu I, next in line to the throne, shifted the capital to Yapahuwa for security reasons. Continuing the literary and religious legacy initiated by his predecessor Vijayabahu IV, Bhuvanekabahu I ruled with Dambadeniya considered insecure.

Yapahuwa, a rock fortress and palace built by King Bhuvanekabahu I in 1273, served as the capital from 1273 to 1284. Standing 90 meters high, Yapahuwa, reminiscent of the Sigiriya rock fortress, played a vital role as a military stronghold against foreign invaders. Despite its abandonment after the assassination of Vijayabahu IV, Yapahuwa remains a historical site with ancient battle defenses, ornamental stairways, caves used by Buddhist monks, and remnants of buildings and shrines.

The Tooth Relic, initially brought from Dambadeniya, found its place in the Tooth Temple atop Yapahuwa. However, the relic faced challenges, being carried away to South India by the Pandyas and later recovered by King Parakkramabahu III in 1288 at Polonnaruwa.

The subsequent shifts in the capital led to rule from Polonnaruwa under King Parakramabahu III, who, in an attempt to regain the Tooth Relic, established diplomatic ties with the Pandyan Kingdom. The relic found a new home in the Temple of the Tooth in Polonnaruwa. King Parakramabahu III passed away in 1303, leading to Bhuvanekabahu II taking the throne and relocating the capital to Kurunagala in 1303.

Kurunegala, serving as the capital from 1300 to 1341, witnessed the reign of five Sinhala dynasty kings. King Buvanekabahu II and his son Parakramabahu IV played significant roles in the kingdom's history, promoting Buddhism and commissioning temples. The city, also known as Athugal-pura, housed the sacred Tooth Relic during the time of King Parakramabahu IV.

The subsequent rulers, including Bhuvanaikabahu III, Vijayabahu V, and Bhuvanaikabahu IV, maintained the kingdom from Kurunegala until it shifted to Gampola under King Parâkkamabâhu V in 1344. The Tooth Relic, initially moved around different locations, eventually found its permanent home in Kandy under King Vimaladharmasuriya I in 1592.

The Kurunegala period, marked by the reign of King Parakramabahu IV and subsequent monarchs, left an indelible legacy with its contributions to Buddhism, education, and literature. King Parakramabahu IV, also known as Panditha Parakramabahu II, made remarkable advancements, and his rule extended influence beyond Kurunegala into various regions of Sri Lanka.