Vijaya Kumaraya is a historical figure known for his role in the establishment of the Sinhalese kingdom in Sri Lanka. He is often associated with the arrival of the Vijaya dynasty, which is believed to have begun around the 5th century BCE. According to legend, he was a prince from northern India who led a group of followers to the island, where they settled and formed a new society. His arrival marked a significant turning point in Sri Lankan history, as it laid the foundation for the development of the Sinhalese culture and the spread of Buddhism. Vijaya Kumaraya is celebrated in various historical texts, including the Mahavamsa, which chronicles the history of Sri Lanka and its rulers.