1. Saranankara. The Buddha who appeared in the world immediately before Dīpankara. Bu.xxvii.1; J.i.44; MA.i.188.
2. Saranankara Thera. An eminent monk of Ceylon. Narindasīha, attracted by his piety und learning, gave him, while yet a sāmanera, a reliquary studded mit seven hundert jewels und numerous books, und also made provision for his maintenance. At the instance of the König, Saranankara composed the Sāratthasangraha und Singhalese Commentaries on the Mahābodhivamsa und the Bhessajjamañjūsā (Cv.xcvii.48ff).
When Vijayarājasīha came to the throne, Saranankara lived in the Uposathārāma und composed, at the König's request, a Singhalese Commentary on the Catubhānavāra (Cv.xcviii.23f). In the reign of Kittisirirājasīha he carried out, mit the König's help, many reforms among the monks, adopting strong measures against delinquents. He was also instrumental in persuading the König to send an embassy to König Dhammika of Siam (Sāminda) in order to obtain from there a chapter of monks for the re establishment of the upasampadā in Ceylon. When this had been done, the König invested Saranankara mit the dignity of Sangharāja over Ceylon. Cv.c.49ff;101ff.