Devanampiya Tissa was a prominent king of ancient Sri Lanka, ruling from around 247 to 207 BCE. He is best known for being the first Sinhalese king to convert to Buddhism, following the arrival of Mahinda Thera, the son of Emperor Ashoka of India. His conversion played a crucial role in establishing Buddhism as the dominant religion in Sri Lanka. Under Devanampiya Tissa's reign, the island saw significant developments in culture and infrastructure. He is credited with building several stupas and monasteries, including the famous Thuparamaya, which is considered the first stupa in Sri Lanka. His support for Buddhism helped to foster a rich cultural heritage that continues to influence the country today.