පොලොන්නරු අවධියේ මෙරට අභ්‍යන්තර වෙළෙඳ නගරවල ක්‍රියාකාරීත්වය සහ විදේශ වෙළෙඳ ශ්‍රේණිවල භූමිකාව [The Operation of the Country's Internal Trading Hubs and the Role of Foreign Trade Guilds During the Polonnaruwa Period]

Sri Lanka's economy has historically been anchored in an agricultural system supported by an extensive irrigation network, which has laid the foundation for related economic activities. Despite this agrarian base, Sri Lanka's strategic position along the crucial East-West maritime route, coupled with its wealth of resources conducive to commercial activities, enabled it to effectively integrate into and benefit from international trade networks.This research delves into the dynamics of internal trade in Sri Lanka, with a particular emphasis on the development of trading cities and the establishment of a systematic and efficient network for internal commerce. The study employs thematic and contextual analysis methods to scrutinize a variety of sources, including literary texts and archaeological findings, such as inscriptions and relics, which provide insights into the economic strategies of historical periods.A focal point of the investigation is the era following the liberation from Chola rule, when the rulers of Polonnaruwa opted to involve foreign trading communities in the management of these burgeoning internal trade centers. This study explores the reasons behind this reliance on foreign merchants and the operational dynamics of the internal trading cities under their influence. Findings from the research reveal that the area surrounding Polonnaruwa functioned akin to suburban trading centers, where internal trade thrived with significant contributions from these foreign trading communities. The interactions between local and foreign traders facilitated not only the flow of goods but also the exchange of cultural and technological innovations, which played a crucial role in the economic and social development of the region. This study sheds light on the complexities of historical trade practices in Sri Lanka and their implications for the country's economic history.