The inscription is engraved on two fragments of a broken pillar, which were found lying amidst a heap of debris on the pavement about midway between the western and southern altars of the Ruvanväli-sǟya in Anuradhapura, a few yards from the stone votive dāgäba. In all probability, the pillar belonged to one of the many small shrines which once stood on the spacious platform where the fragments were found. The inscription records the gift of the pillar by an individual (or individuals) from the town of Mahila. It is dated in the reign of king Buddhadāsa (341–370 A.D.).

Epigraphia Zeylanica
Paranavitana, S. (1928-33). ‘No. 7. Ruvanvälisǟya Pillar Inscription of the Reign of Buddhadāsa (388–416 A. D.) (A.S.I. No. 374),’ Epigraphia Zeylanica 3, p. 122.

. . . . . . . . . . . . (In the reign of) the great king Budadasa Mahasena (Pāli Buddhadāsa Mahā Sena) son of the great king [Siri] Meka Jeṭatisa Apaya (Pāli Sirimegha Jeṭṭhatissa Abhaya). The pillar caused to be set up by Siva of the town of Mahila, son of Sumana of the town of Mahila and Kamala Aba daughter of . . . . . . . . . . the town of Makalaka. May the acquiescence in [this] merit be for the benefit of all beings. May increase [in prosperity] be to the great king.

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