| has gloss | eng: Elara (235 BC - 161 BC), also known as Elalan, or Élaezha Chola, was a Tamil king who ruled Sri Lanka from 205 BC to 161 BC from the ancient capital of Anuradhapura. Sometimes referred to as the Just King. Elara is a peculiar figure in the history of Sri Lanka and one with particular resonance given the ongoing ethnic strife in the country. Although he was a Tamil King, and an ethnic outsider with respect to Sinhala people, he is often regarded as one of Sri Lankas wisest and most just monarchs, as highligted in Sinhalese chronicle Mahavamsa. According to the chronicle, even Elaras nemesis Sinhala king Dutugemunu had a great respect for him, and ordered a monument be built in memory for Elara after he was slain in battle. |
