The monks dwelling at the premises moved to Malaya and Ruhuna, this followed by the pillaging of Mahavihara by Snaghamitta and minister Sona, all valuable were transferred to Abhayagiri vihara.
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Following king Jettha Tissa's death his brother Mahasena was consecrated as king by monk Sanghamitta, under the monk's influence king Mahasena brought about a campaign against orthodox Theravadins dwelling in Mahavihara.
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King Mahasena (273–301 AD) initiated the construction of the stupa following the destruction of Mahavihara.
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The pillaging prompted a rebellion by minister Meghavannabhaya, the minister raised an army from Malaya and set camp by the Duratissaka tank.
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The sectarian differences between the Buddhist monks also are represented by the stupa as it was built on the premises of the destroyed Mahavihara, which led to a rebellion by a minister of king Mahasena.