[1] He is known for his architectural constructions such as the Nissanka Lata Mandapaya, Hatadage and Rankot Vihara, as well as for the refurbishment of old temples and irrigation tanks.

Nissanka Malla declared that only a Buddhist had the right to rule the country, thereby securing his position and justifying his claim for kingship.

He spent large sums for various constructions and refurbishments, and also gave money to the public in an attempt to put down crimes.

He maintained cordial relationships with several countries, and also invaded the states of the Pandyan and Chola dynasties in South India but the invasion failed.

A rock inscription made by Nissanka Malla at Dambulla mentions that he is of the Kalinga dynasty and a descendant from the race of Prince Vijaya.

[4] Some scholars have proposed Sumatra[4] and Jaffna peninsula[5] as the location of Kalinga and Sinhapura related, to Nissanka Malla's origin.

[6] By claiming to be descended from Vijaya, the first king of Sri Lanka, Nissanka Malla justified his right to the throne.

[7] His rock inscription at Galpotha describes this, saying that "non-Buddhists should not be placed in power in Sri Lanka to which the Kalinga dynasty was the rightful heir".

Rameswaram of South India, which had come under the control of Sri Lanka during the reign of Parākramabāhu I, in the end of the Pandyan Civil War it come under Cholas.