1. Saranankara. The Buddha who appeared in the world immediately before Dípankara. Bu.xxvii.1; J.i.44; MA.i.188.
2. Saranankara Thera. An eminent monk of Ceylon. Narindasíha, attracted by his piety and learning, gave him, while yet a sámanera, a reliquary studded with seven hundred jewels and numerous books, and also made provision for his maintenance. At the instance of the king, Saranankara composed the Sáratthasangraha and Singhalese Commentaries on the Mahábodhivamsa and the Bhessajjamańjúsá (Cv.xcvii.48ff).
When Vijayarájasíha came to the throne, Saranankara lived in the Uposatháráma and composed, at the king's request, a Singhalese Commentary on the Catubhánavára (Cv.xcviii.23f). In the reign of Kittisirirájasíha he carried out, with the king's help, many reforms among the monks, adopting strong measures against delinquents. He was also instrumental in persuading the king to send an embassy to King Dhammika of Siam (Sáminda) in order to obtain from there a chapter of monks for the re establishment of the upasampadá in Ceylon. When this had been done, the king invested Saranankara with the dignity of Sangharája over Ceylon. Cv.c.49ff;101ff.