Most Sinhalese in the island claim that Sri Lanka was ruled by nagas and yakkas before Vijaya( a prince from India ) came to Sri Lanka. The most famous of these legendary kings is Ravana. Most people in the country believe that Ravana is still alive but in deep sleep. But most prominent historians regard Vijaya as Sri lanka's first king. Vijaya is an Indian prince who because of misbehavior was put in a boat with his 700 friends was sent off. He was the son of king Sinhabahu who was in fact the son of a Lion. Hence most Sinhalse claim to be descending from the Lion's blood.