While humans had inhabited many areas of Sri Lanka prior to the 5th century BC, it was at this time that a large religious centre was being established at Anuradhapura, based on the teachings of Buddhism that had recently been introduced from southern India. The city of Anuradhapura grew rapidly into one of the most prominent and influential cities of its time, and several buildings that were among the tallest ever built by man. The Anuradhapura period was not without friction, however. The original Buddhist sect splintered into different factions that were eager to outdo each other and try to influence the kings, while the royals themselves vied with each other for power. Adding to this internal strife were the increasingly common wars with invaders from southern India, who saw the rich Anuradhapura kingdom a great prize. Polonnaruwa, to the east of Anuradhapura, was situated in a mountainous region and had ample water supplies, a factor which may have also contributed to the relocation of the capital. However, the scale of the city was much smaller than the sprawling Anuradhapura, with most of the city enclosed by fortified walls. The royal family undertook some massive building projects, not the least of which was the impressive ‘Sea of Parakrama’ reservoir and the Royal Palace. However, the cost of these projects was to strain the city to its breaking point, and soon after their completion the capital was abandoned. Polonnaruwa had only survived 250 years. Independence did not restore Kandy to its former glory, however, as the capital was retained in Colombo. However, Kandy did become the provincial capital and the most important city in the Cultural Triangle region. Today it is a modern city that is often host to important international events and sporting fixtures. In modern times, a great deal of investment has been made to transform the Cultural Triangle into a major tourist destination, and with help from UNSECO, many of the magnificent archaeological sites have been restored to their former glory. Tourism is now a vital source of revenue in the regional economy, although it has yet to surpass the income derived from tea. | 
