It was made the capital city of the island by King Buwanekabahu IV, who ruled for four years in the mid-fourteenth century.

The rock temple "Gadaladeniya Viharaya" was constructed by king Vikramabahu III.

Meanwhile, a general called "Alagakkonara" became more powerful than the king as they helped to defeat "Araya Chakravarthi", a Tamil ruler who had grabbed the throne of the northern country.

There are many Buddhist temples belonging to the Gampola era like "Lankathilaka" and "Ambekke dewalaya".

The Chinese ambassador Zheng He, who was unhappy with the change of hands, carried off King Vijayabahu VI to China in 1411 AD.