In the latter part of his rule, King Veera Parakramabahu VIII, had divided the Kotte kingdom into four parts. His four sons – Dharma Parakramabahu, Vijayabahu, Rajasinghe and Raigam Bandara had been in charge of these four divisions. The king passed away in 1509 A.D. He was succeeded by his second son, Prince Vijayabahu. He was crowned as King Vijayabahu VI. However, it is the eldest son, Dharma Parakramabahu who would have remained as the lawful ruler, during the time of his father.

Fifty years ago, on January 1, 1958, a significant event took place relating to public transport in Sri Lanka. The nationalisation of bus services took place on this day on a decision made by the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna government led by Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike.